Start-Up Operations Manager, DTC Launch

Exol

28d • Remote

About The Position

Exol is seeking an experienced operations manager to lead day-to-day execution for highly automated fulfillment sites during pre-launch, go-live, and stabilization. The role is the primary operational owner for DTC warehouse functions and ensures integrated capability testing and high-density storage systems meet e-commerce demands.

The manager leads high-velocity fulfillment workflows, including receiving, put-away, individual unit picking, packing, and carrier-sorted shipping. They work with engineering to test automated systems, validate WMS/WES functionality, and troubleshoot order-flow bottlenecks while maintaining inventory accuracy. The role also leads large warehouse teams, manages launch priorities and labor plans, enforces safety protocols, and helps develop repeatable launch processes for future sites.

The role may require up to 80% travel to client and other customer locations. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive and/or fly to those locations. Employees are responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally, with reimbursement on a bi-weekly basis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in 3PL warehouse or distribution center operations, specifically in high-volume DTC or e-commerce fulfillment.
• Advanced exposure to automated warehouse environments, specifically AutoStore or similar robotic goods-to-person systems, and direct experience with WMS/WES platforms.
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards and experience driving safety protocols, such as LOTO and fall protection, with vendors and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to drive launch-critical KPIs, including units per hour (UPH), order accuracy, OEE, and cost-per-unit.
• Strong ability to respond quickly to operational constraints and implement corrective actions in real time.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive and/or fly to client and other customer locations.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience project managing business units through ramp-up or peak environments.
• Hands-on experience with operational testing and acceptance protocols for complex automated fulfillment systems.
• Experience identifying inefficiencies and implementing Lean improvements or standard work.

Responsibilities

• Execute Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and integrated operational capability testing alongside engineering to validate automated systems against DTC requirements.
• Serve as the primary operational owner for DTC warehouse functions during launch, managing workflows from receiving and put-away through picking, packing, and carrier-sorted shipping.
• Document lessons learned and help create and refine launch playbooks and standardized work processes for future site replicability.
• Oversee day-to-day warehouse operations and direct large teams of hourly associates and frontline leaders to achieve high-volume throughput targets.
• Validate WMS/WES functionality, monitor real-time system transactions, troubleshoot order-flow bottlenecks, and ensure inventory accuracy.
• Enforce OSHA compliance and safety protocols, and conduct audits to ensure employees follow proper guidelines.
• Manage business-specific launch priorities, including labor planning and shift balancing, while coordinating with IT, Supply Chain, and Automation partners.

What This Job Offers

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