Department Manager

Job Summary

This position works in partnership with the Operations Manager to achieve the fulfillment goals for cost, quality and safety. Manages all aspects of assigned department. Ensures high-level of success and productivity and manages all activities within the fulfillment center, including but not limited to processes, planning operations, and people management.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. To request a reasonable accommodation, notify Human Resources or the manager who oversees the position.

Operations:

• Track, analyze and communicate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to all staff.

• Manage daily department functions including order filling, checking, packing, truck loading, receiving, put away, cycle counting, replenishments, sanitation, and maintenance. 

• Ensures compliance with all regulatory, federal, state, local and Patterson policies and Standard Operating Procedures (ISO, VAWD, AIB, DEA, etc). 

• Establishes daily/weekly projections as it relates to operational flow for departmental planning.  Develop long range forecasts/plans for expected volume.

• Plan and coordinate activities between various departments to ensure maximum customer satisfaction; engage monthly with PLSI counterparts to discuss trends, issues and operations.

• Participate in Quality Management Systems (QMS) projects and committees. 

• Manages programs such as Safety Program, Verified Accredited Warehouse Distribution (VAWD) Program, American Institute of Bakery (AIB) standards, etc.

Leadership:

• Work closely with the Fulfillment Center Manager, other Department Managers and Supervisors to establish and understand the goals of the FC and support achievement of the facility goals from a cost and productivity standpoint.

• Work with the Supervisors to develop plans to fix any operational issues that are encountered within the department.  Initiate communication with the FC Manager to notify him or her of any operational or personnel issues that may negatively impact operations.

• Participate in the training and implementation on new procedures or process changes (including SOP’s and FC specific policies) that need to be introduced to the FC personnel.   

• Establish and maintain relationships with both internal and external customers

• Train and mentor all new Operations Supervisors & Warehouse Associates.

• Provide FC Network support when needed (may include travel)

• Create a positive work environment that promotes creativity, team work and recognition.

• Establish, support, promote and participate in network, facility and departmental activities designed to strengthen and improve moral, team work and improve the overall work environment.

• Lead projects and support best practices across the entire network for all locations

• Responsible for safety performance at FC

People Management:

• In collaboration with the FC Manager, manages all staffing functions (interviewing, hiring, assignment of duties, training, cross-training, personnel development, performance reviews and discipline) for workforce.

• Encourage the growth of all direct and indirect reports through skill development and goal setting.

• Hold direct reports accountable for meeting performance standards and departmental performance goals.

• Develop and maintain succession training plans for subordinates

• Mentor employees, measure performance, and complete regular performance reviews.

• Resolve employee issues in an effective and consistent manner.

• Manage and increase the effectiveness and efficiencies of the employee warehouse program; submit annual recommendations to senior management for metric (LPH/LPE) adjustments.

• Resolve employee issues in an effective and consistent manner.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience required

• 5+ years in supervision and at least 2 years of leadership responsibility.

• 3+ years ERP experience

• 5+ years in customer facing role

• Proven soft skills – analytical, problem solving, communication, interpersonal

• Organized, strong attention to detail, and follow through on

• Demonstrated success in prioritizing and time-management

• Complete provided CPR & First Aid training upon hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in SAP and utilizing inventory systems

• Previous Warehouse leadership or Fleet management experience

• Previous experience managing a team

Working Conditions

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

• General warehouse equipment

• General office equipment

• MS Office, Shipping and proprietary inventory management software, SAP, DOT Fleet Compliance & GEOTAB software

Physical Demands

• Moving 75% of the time

• Frequently grasp, reach, bend and stoop in narrow/confined spaces

• Able to lift & carry up to 55 pounds

• Team lift 56 to 100 pounds

• Must be able to be on your feet both walking and in a standing position more than 6 hours per day

• Must be able to operate forklift

• Must be able to position self to lift, move, open and flatten boxes and packaging.

Environmental Factors

The fulfillment center is a warehouse for the storage and fulfillment of dental, production animal, and companion animal supplies and equipment.  In general, the building’s primary work area consists of pallet storage racking, roller storage and small item storage shelving.  The facility may use powered conveyor systems for the transportation of products. Pallet jacks and forklifts are used for palletized products. Some positions require use of safety equipment, which is provided as needed.

Travel and On-Call

• This position requires a minimum two trips per year within the Unites States of America

• This position is part of the emergency response team in addition to on call responsibilities