Job Summary

The Inbound Operations Manager is responsible for leading all receiving, unloading, and put-away activities within the distribution center. This role ensures efficient and accurate flow of inbound goods from arrival through storage while maintaining high standards for safety, inventory accuracy, and productivity.

This position plays a critical role in supporting overall service performance by ensuring product availability and flow, contributing to overall OTIF (On-Time, In-Full) performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Inbound & Receiving Operations

• Oversee all inbound freight activities including scheduling, unloading, inspection, and system receipt.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of all inbound shipments to support downstream fulfillment requirements.
• Manage dock scheduling, yard flow, and carrier coordination to reduce congestion and delays.
• Monitor inbound performance and resolve issues related to shortages, damages, and discrepancies that could impact OTIF.

Put-Away & Material Flow

• Lead put-away operations to ensure efficient movement of product from dock to storage locations.
• Optimize slotting, storage strategies, and space utilization.
• Ensure proper product handling, labeling, and location accuracy within the WMS.
• Maintain strong material flow processes to support outbound readiness and OTIF performance.

Inventory Accuracy & Control

• Drive cycle count programs, inbound quality checks, and reconciliation processes.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies that could impact order fulfillment and OTIF.
• Ensure compliance with inventory control procedures and audit requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, leads, and hourly associates within inbound operations.
• Establish clear performance expectations and monitor productivity and quality metrics.
• Manage staffing and labor planning to meet inbound volume requirements.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture across inbound and dock operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and company safety policies.
• Conduct safety audits, training, and incident investigations.

Operational Excellence

• Track and improve key inbound KPIs, including:
• Dock-to-Stock Cycle Time
• Receiving Accuracy
• Inventory Accuracy
• Unload Productivity
• Contribution to OTIF through product availability and flow
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Other duties as deemed necessary.
  

Qualification Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in warehouse or distribution operations, with leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of receiving, put-away, and inventory control processes.
• Experience with WMS/ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Work Environment

• Warehouse environment with exposure to moving equipment and variable temperatures.
• Requires standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs).
• Flexibility to support extended hours as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Logistics function within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of the consumer products industry.
• Knowledge of Third-Party Logistics (3PL) warehouse operations.
• Proficiency using a Personal Computer (PC) to include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency using Enterprise Resource Planning (i.e., SAP, WMS).
• Leadership skills and the ability to inspire direct and indirect reports.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to negotiate both reasonable and favorable contract terms for the Company.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain professional relationships with persons within and outside the Company of varying personality types.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to maintain information in a logical and well-thought-out manner.
• Ability to travel within the United States and internationally.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team of direct reports in pursuit of a common goal.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness.

Physical Requirements

Represents the appropriate physical requirements of the job in the course of the work.