Erlanger DDC Operations Manager

Levi Strauss • Erlanger, KY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day productivity of the distribution center and for executing business strategy safely and cost-effectively. The role oversees the direction, coordination, and evaluation of general distribution activities, including receiving, order fulfillment, and shipping. As a member of the site's senior leadership team, the Operations Manager participates in site-wide operating practices, procedures, and decision-making, promotes continuous process improvement, and builds a culture centered on employee engagement and LS&Co. values.

The role drives production, accountability, and continuous improvement using LEAN and Six Sigma methods. It is accountable for performance indicators such as cost per unit, variable cost per unit, units per hour, inventory accuracy, and employee utilization and performance. The Operations Manager ensures a safe and compliant work environment, maintains consistent operational standard work, and provides new and refresher training. Using system reporting and volume forecasts, the role plans staffing to meet cost and service goals, including for peak-volume periods.

The Operations Manager partners with Engineering and other cross-functional and network colleagues to improve processes and performance, and works with stakeholders to meet customer service goals and specifications. The role leads and develops a team responsible for warehouse activities, supports succession planning and upskilling, coaches and mentors employees, and leads special projects aligned with site and company strategic business plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in supply chain, management, or a related field preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in general distribution center and direct-to-consumer activities, preferably in an environment with fluctuating volumes.
• Knowledge of demand forecasting and distribution planning processes, including distribution flow, integration, and automation.
• Ability to assess situations quickly and use data to develop creative solutions to complex problems that produce positive financial and service-level results.
• Proven experience maximizing team productivity and growth.
• Ability and passion to develop, motivate, and lead in a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback and provide coaching and mentorship, with a focus on short- and longer-term performance and development and retaining top talent.
• Ability to communicate effectively across functions in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Ability to work with urgency to ensure operational plans are executed and communicated across functions.
• Comfort seeking opinions, listening actively, challenging the status quo, and building consensus and alignment.
• Experience with warehouse management systems; Manhattan Active WMS preferred.
• Experience using IBM Cognos Reporting System (Manhattan SCI).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel, including pivot tables, data visualizations, macros, and advanced functions.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and change management methods such as 5S, Gemba, and Kata.
• Live LS&Co. values of empathy, originality, integrity, courage, and performance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a distribution environment with fluctuating volumes.
• Experience with Manhattan Active WMS.

Responsibilities

• Drive production, accountability, and continuous process improvement using LEAN and Six Sigma methodologies to improve productivity, quality, safety, and employee engagement.
• Manage key performance indicators, including cost per unit, variable cost per unit, units per hour, inventory accuracy, and employee utilization and performance rates.
• Ensure a safe working environment and compliance with federal, state, local, and LS&Co. standards.
• Manage new and refresher training so employees follow Method, Pace, and Safe Motion Dynamics across operational functions.
• Ensure departmental standard work methods are documented and consistently executed.
• Use system reporting and volume forecasts to maintain staffing levels for cost and service goals, including advanced planning for peak volumes.
• Partner with Engineering and cross-functional or network colleagues to identify and implement process improvements.
• Maintain stakeholder partnerships to meet customer service goals and specifications and service orders efficiently.
• Lead and develop the warehouse activities team, including creating succession plans and opportunities to upskill employees.
• Create opportunities for employee development, coaching, and mentoring.
• Lead special projects aligned with site and company strategic business plans.

Benefits

• 401(k) match of $1.25 for every $1.00 contributed, up to the first 6% of pay saved.
• Five hours of paid volunteer time per month with nonprofit organizations.
• 50% discount on regular-price merchandise.
• Medical, vision, and dental benefits, including an on-site Vigilant Clinic.
• Time Off with Pay Program (TOPP).
• Generous paid holiday package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager