Director Operations Manager Startup Jobs in Springfield, MO

AAE Inc. is a nationwide distributor, U.S. manufacturer, and direct importer of primarily stainless-steel fasteners. We have built a reputation for exceptional customer service, quality products, inventory expertise, and operational excellence.

With facilities are nationwide, our people are the foundation of our success. As our organization continues its successful long-term growth strategy, we are seeking an experienced Operations Warehouse Leader who can help drive performance, strengthen accountability, improve operational efficiency, and support the development of our teams.

This is a highly visible leadership position that works closely with leadership and managers to ensure operational excellence throughout the organization.

Position Summary

• The Operations WH Leader will be responsible for leading warehouse, fulfillment, inventory management, and operational support functions while enhancing productivity, efficiency, and customer service performance. This individual will evaluate existing processes, implement improvements, establish accountability measures, utilize technology and data-driven decision-making, and develop high-performing teams.
• Success in this role requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic thinking with daily operational execution.  You will need professional, robust  computer experience for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily operations to ensure the safe, accurate, and timely receipt, storage, picking, packing, and shipment of customer orders.
• Drive operational performance through effective planning, resource allocation, workflow management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability standards throughout all operational departments.
• Monitor operational capacity and staffing levels to support business growth and customer service objectives.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute short-term and long-term operational strategies.

Warehouse & Distribution Excellence

• Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle counting programs, audits, process controls, and inventory management best practices.
• Monitor and improve warehouse productivity, order accuracy, on-time shipping performance, and service level metrics.
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and process gaps and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Promote lean operational practices and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Oversee warehouse organization, space utilization, material flow, and operational efficiency.

Performance Management & Accountability

• Develop, maintain, and analyze operational KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Utilize data to identify trends, measure success, and recommend operational improvements.
• Conduct regular operational reviews with department leaders to evaluate performance and establish action plans.
• Hold leaders and teams accountable for achieving operational goals and continuous improvement objectives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor, coach, and develop other operational team members.
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, employee development, corrective action, and succession planning activities.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, Inventory Control, Quality, Finance, and Human Resources.

Process & Technology Improvement

• Evaluate existing systems, workflows, and procedures to improve efficiency, productivity, and scalability.
• Champion the adoption of technology, automation, reporting tools, and digital solutions that improve operational effectiveness.
• Support ERP, warehouse management, inventory management, and process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure operational procedures are documented, communicated, and consistently followed.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Support and maintain ISO quality standards and operational compliance initiatives.
• Promote and reinforce a strong workplace safety culture.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, quality requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect business continuity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal studies in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive operational leadership experience within distribution, warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain environments.
• Proven experience leading managers, supervisors, and multi-functional operational teams.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, warehouse operations, purchasing, fulfillment, and process improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success implementing KPIs and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data and make informed business decisions.
• Experience with ERP systems, inventory management software, Microsoft Excel, and business reporting tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and team development skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment that values accountability and results.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the Operations Leader will:

• Increase operational visibility through meaningful KPI reporting and accountability measures.
• Improve inventory accuracy, warehouse productivity, and order fulfillment performance.
• Strengthen leadership effectiveness throughout operational departments.
• Identify and implement process improvements that support scalable growth.
• Enhance collaboration across departments while maintaining a positive, performance-driven culture.
• Help position the organization for long-term operational excellence and sustainable growth.

If you are a results-driven operational warehouse leader who enjoys building high-performing teams, improving processes, leveraging technology, and creating operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today, this could be the job you have been waiting for!

As an EOE/AA employer, our company will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.