SC Senior Operations Manager / Assistant General Manager (AGM)

JCPenney • Columbus, OH

9h • $110,000 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The AGM reports to the Facility Director / General Manager and is a key site level leader responsible for end-to-end operational performance within a high-volume retail distribution center servicing 93 brick and mortar stores as well as direct to consumer eCommerce fulfillment. This role leads a team of 5 Operations Managers and their respective departments to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of inbound, outbound, and returns operations while providing best in class service to our customers. The AGM partners closely with the General Manager to drive continuous improvements across safety, service, cost, and quality. This position will also be responsible for developing a strong leadership bench, driving operational discipline, while fostering a culture of engagement and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in retail distribution, fulfillment, e-commerce, or high-volume warehouse operations.
• Proven experience leading multiple exempt leaders and between 200 - 400 non-exempt associates.
• Experience with WMS, labor management, Tableau, and MicroStrategy
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Familiarity with lean concepts and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Results driven operational leadership.
• Ability to develop and coach leaders at scale. High accountability with a hands-on leadership style.
• Strategic thinking and planning coupled with data driven decision making.
• Effective communication, change management, and collaboration skills while working in a fast paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining executive presence.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for daily distribution and fulfillment operations across multiple functional areas.
• Own site‑level and departmental performance against key metrics including safety, service level, cost, productivity, and quality.
• Translate business objectives into executable operating plans and drive disciplined execution through the operations leadership team. Lead collaboration and communication with the operations team.
• Utilize data analytics to identify key trends and propose solutions to operational challenges.
• Partner with the General Manager to align operational priorities with broader business strategy, peak planning, and growth initiatives.
• Champion a safety culture focused on prevention by setting clear expectations, reinforcing safe behaviors, and holding leaders accountable for compliance.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (OSHA, company policies, site procedures).
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action plans; proactively identify and mitigate safety risks.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements for efficiency.
• Use analytics and root cause analysis to address performance gaps and variability.
• Own departmental budgets and actively manage controllable costs while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Sponsor and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, accuracy, and process optimization.
• Ensure consistent achievement of service commitments, including order accuracy and on time shipping.
• Partner with planning, transportation, inventory, and customer teams to resolve service issues and improve end‑to‑end execution.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions for service failures or variability.
• Directly lead, coach, and develop five Operations Managers, providing clear expectations, ongoing feedback, and targeted development plans.
• Build a strong succession pipeline by identifying high‑potential talent and creating targeted development plans.
• Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement at all leadership levels.
• Model inclusive leadership and reinforce company values across the organization.
• Partner with HR, Safety, Production Planning, Maintenance/Engineering, IT, and Finance to support operational execution and long‑term capability building.
• Support new process launches, WMS implementations, and material handling initiatives.
• Serve as a key site leader in GM absence, ensuring continuity of operations and leadership presence.

Benefits

• medical/dental/vision
• paid PTO and holidays
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Merchandise discount at all Catalyst Brands (JC Penney, Brooks Brothers, Aeropostale, Lucky Brands, and Nautica)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees