Assistant Inbound Operations Manager Jobs in California

Job Summary:

The Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of warehouse and distribution operations within a fast-paced 3PL environment. Reporting to the Facility Manager, this position serves as the second-in-command with direct ownership of assigned off-shift operations.

The role oversees inbound, outbound, inventory, labor, productivity, and service performance while leading supervisors and frontline teams. The Operations Manager uses operational data, reporting, and WMS knowledge to drive performance, identify opportunities, and support continuous improvement.

In a customer-integrated environment, the Operations Manager supports customer communication and operational reviews and serves as a secondary operational contact when needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational Execution & Shift Leadership

• Lead daily inbound, outbound, inventory, and fulfillment operations while meeting productivity, quality, and service expectations.
• Own assigned off-shift operations, including Sunday and early-morning shifts, and serve as the senior operational leader during those shifts.
• Ensure SOP adherence, effective shift handoffs, issue resolution, and continuity of operations.
• Use operational data to identify performance gaps and adjust priorities, workflow, and resources in real time.

Labor Management & Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline teams while maintaining accountability for productivity, quality, attendance, and safety.
• Plan and adjust labor based on volume, service requirements, and productivity targets.
• Partner with HR and leadership on staffing, training, performance management, and employee development.

Inbound, Outbound & Inventory Management

• Oversee receiving, putaway, replenishment, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory control.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy resolution.
• Resolve operational issues affecting product flow, order accuracy, inventory, and service levels.

WMS, Analytics & Reporting

• Ensure accurate use of the customer-controlled WMS and maintain transaction, inventory, and data integrity.
• Generate and analyze operational reports and KPIs to identify trends, root causes, risks, and opportunities.
• Use data to support decision-making, improve productivity, control costs, and measure results.

Customer Support & Operational Alignment

• Support the Senior Operations Manager with customer communication, operational reviews, and issue resolution.
• Serve as a secondary operational contact for Steve Madden and maintain knowledge of customer requirements, SLAs, and WMS processes.
• Provide data-backed explanations of operational performance and corrective actions.

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a safe, compliant, and disciplined work environment in accordance with company and customer requirements.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve throughput, productivity, accuracy, service, and cost efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and measure the impact of process changes.

Attendance & Reliability

• Maintain reliable attendance and adherence to scheduled shifts.
• Demonstrate flexibility to work Sunday, early-morning, non-traditional, or extended hours based on business needs.
• Provide appropriate notice for absences and ensure effective communication and coverage. 

Performance Standards & Accountability

• Meet or exceed operational, productivity, accuracy, and service KPIs.
• Demonstrate strong accountability, ownership, responsiveness, and follow-through.
• Make effective decisions in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment.
• Maintain high standards of safety, compliance, and operational discipline.
• Provide dependable leadership, particularly during assigned off-shift operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of warehouse, distribution, and 3PL operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing supervisors and frontline teams.
• Strong understanding of WMS-driven operations and inventory accuracy.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to use data and KPIs to drive performance and improvement.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, reporting, and data analysis.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently during off-shift hours.
• High level of accountability and operational discipline.

Equipment & Systems Knowledge

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), preferably in a 3PL or customer-controlled environment.
• Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced Excel.
• Labor management and productivity tracking systems.
• RF scanners, barcode systems, and warehouse automation.
• ERP systems and Power BI/Tableau experience are a plus.

Experience Requirements

• 5–7 years of warehouse, distribution, or 3PL experience.
• 3+ years of direct leadership experience managing supervisors and frontline teams.
• Experience managing multiple shifts or non-traditional schedules preferred.
• Experience in customer-driven environments with SLAs.
• Experience with inventory management, labor planning, productivity, and operational execution.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Lean or Six Sigma certification.
• OSHA safety training or certification.
• Other relevant safety or continuous improvement certifications.