Warehouse Operations Manager

Brilliant•Waukegan, IL

11d•$85,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Warehouse Operations Manager owns inventory at Brilliant's Waukegan warehouse, ensuring received items are counted, stored, and tracked accurately so clients and staff can rely on real-time inventory data. This is a hands-on, fully onsite role responsible for receiving, put-away, inventory control, storage, and returns, with shared ownership of warehouse staffing, space, safety, and operational handoffs. The manager leads the inventory team, maintains accurate system records, oversees warehouse space and returns, and tracks inventory performance. The role also develops and refines standard operating procedures, uses operational learnings to improve processes, collaborates with account management, production, support, fulfillment, product, and technology teams, and ensures a safe, clean, organized, and compliant facility.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in warehouse operations or inventory control, including experience managing hourly employees.
Strong working knowledge of receiving, cycle counting, physical inventories, and variance investigation.
Hands-on experience with WMS, ERP, or other inventory management systems, and comfort learning proprietary tools.
Comfort working with inventory data and reports using Excel or Google Sheets.
Hands-on, floor-oriented leadership skills, including coaching, motivating, and holding team members accountable.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize, manage competing demands, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with warehouse and corporate teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a high-SKU, multi-client, or project-based environment; 3PL, eCommerce, or gifting experience is a plus.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee inbound receiving, including matching shipments to purchase orders, inspecting goods, labeling, and timely put-away.
Resolve receiving shortages, overages, and damage with production, procurement, and vendors.
Coordinate inbound schedules with production for program launches and peak periods.
Own inventory accuracy for client-owned and Brilliant inventory, ensuring system data matches physical stock.
Run cycle counts and physical inventory audits; investigate and resolve variances.
Maintain system data integrity, including SKU setup, locations, and inventory adjustments.
Prevent shrinkage and damage with clear handling, storage, and security procedures.
Plan warehouse layout, slotting, and space allocation for growing SKU counts and multi-client inventory.
Identify aged, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory and work with account teams on consolidation and disposition.
Oversee returns inspection, restocking, disposition, and accurate system updates.
Hire, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate inventory team leads and hourly associates.
Partner with warehouse leadership to share labor across the floor during peak periods.
Build a team culture focused on accuracy, safety, and accountability.
Track and report inventory KPIs, including accuracy, cycle count variance, dock-to-stock time, adjustments and shrink, and returns turnaround.
Build and refine SOPs for receiving, put-away, counting, and returns, and cross-train the team.
Use lessons from inventory variances, mis-ships, and returns to improve processes alongside the fulfillment team.
Provide inventory information and reporting to account management, production, and support teams.
Own the handoff of accurate, available inventory to kitting and fulfillment.
Partner with product and technology teams to improve inventory tools and workflows in proprietary systems.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized facility, including regular racking and equipment inspections.
Ensure compliance with company policies and OSHA regulations and lead team safety training.
Model and reinforce Brilliant's values and commitment to excellence on the warehouse floor.