Distribution Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Import Distribution Manager is responsible for the development and performance of Wismettac’s import drayage, transfers, vendor transportation, and logistics activities within the Supply Chain Management team. This position manages relationships between suppliers, ports, logistics/freight partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with contractual agreements regarding safety, service, cost, quality, and growth. Additionally, the Manager provides leadership and mentorship to the team to ensure alignment with corporate planning and development goals.

Essential Job Functions:

• Strategizes with Supply Chain Management leadership to design and execute import, distribution, and logistics strategies that align with overall SCM objectives.
• Establishes and enforces process performance and compliance standards for suppliers, ports, and logistics partners to support cross-functional stakeholders. Architects' Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and standardized reporting to drive operational performance.
• Directs import compliance and regulatory affairs, including duty rate management and high-level liaison with CBP, FDA, and USDA.
• Responsible for managing 3PL transportation, internal company transfers, and Port Drayage
• Optimizes ocean container logistics and site rotation to eliminate demurrage and unnecessary accessorial charges.
• Manages strategic partnerships with customs brokers and regulatory agencies to ensure seamless global trade compliance.
• Drives efficiency in inbound transportation networks from vendors to all Wismettac sites.
• Guides the development of advanced data dashboards to provide visibility into import trends and analysis.
• Directs team workloads, oversees execution, and provides professional development and mentorship to the Import Team.
• Engineers scalable solutions to support network growth as volumes expand throughout the Wismettac infrastructure.

Experience/ Training/ Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Analytics, or a related field.
• 7 years of experience in an analytical role, preferably within a distribution, logistics, or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Excel (Advanced) and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar).
• Must have a deep understanding of import operations and regulatory processes
• Exposure to ERP/WMS/TMS environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• In-depth knowledge of end-to-end shipping lifecycles, including drayage, ocean/air freight, and final-mile delivery.
• Deep understanding of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, Incoterms 2020, and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification.
• Strong knowledge of ocean, air, and ground freight operations, including drayage and 3PL management.
• Familiarity with Partner Government Agencies such as the FDA and USDA, particularly regarding food/perishable imports.
• Expert knowledge of process design and documentation standards for international trade compliance.
• Skilled in managing complex workflows between international agents, carriers, and freight forwarders to ensure seamless handoffs.
• Proficiency in using Data/ERP systems to track KPIs, transit times, and landed costs.
• Proficient in real-time shipment tracking and utilizing logistics management software to identify supply chain bottlenecks.
• Skill in managing service level agreements with freight forwarders and carriers to ensure competitive pricing and priority service.
• Ability to analyze operational data to drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement cost-reduction strategies.
• Skilled in drafting, maintaining, and updating complex procedural manuals and compliance documentation.
• The ability to anticipate regulatory or carrier delays and implement corrective actions before they impact the supply chain.
• The ability to maintain strict adherence to quality standards and international regulatory deadlines under high-pressure conditions.
• The ability to convey technical logistics requirements clearly to diverse global partners and internal leadership.
• The ability to translate complex logistical challenges into clear, repeatable SOPs.
• The ability to pivot operational strategies in response to shifting global trade environments or carrier disruptions.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments like Procurement, Warehouse, and Finance.

Working Conditions:

This position is primarily based in a professional office setting and requires extensive use of computers, Logistics Management Systems (LMS), and ERP software. The role involves managing strict shipping deadlines, port cut-offs, and customs clearance windows; therefore, high-pressure situations are common when resolving shipment delays or regulatory holds. Due to the nature of international responsibilities, the manager may occasionally need to communicate with overseas agents, suppliers, or carriers across various time zones, which may require work outside of standard business hours. While the role is mostly office-bound, it requires periodic visits to warehouses, distribution centers, or port facilities to audit processes and meet with logistics partners. Finally, the position demands high levels of concentration for data analysis, contract review, and navigating complex federal regulations, including CBP, FDA, and USDA requirements.