Distribution Operations Manager Jobs in California

Position Summary

The Distribution Center (DC) Operations Manager plays a critical role in driving operational success by leading daily warehouse operations and ensuring productivity, quality, safety, and service goals are consistently achieved. This position oversees multiple functional areas, develops high-performing teams, and partners with cross-functional departments to drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and overall distribution center performance. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential to maintaining operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions

Operations Managers may oversee multiple departments based on business needs. Work schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overtime during peak periods.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Lead and oversee daily distribution center operations to ensure productivity, quality, accuracy, and safety standards are consistently met.

· Build and execute productivity plans by reviewing forecasts, determining labor and productivity requirements, and partnering with other leaders to effectively balance workloads across departments.

· Manage and drive performance related to safety, quality, productivity, and customer delivery commitments.

· Drive operational performance through effective planning, execution, and workforce management.

· Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors and frontline leaders to build high-performing teams.

· Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement action plans to achieve operational goals.

· Partner with leadership to identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.

· Ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and operational procedures.

· Communicate operational updates, performance results, and business priorities to leadership and team members.

· Support staffing, labor planning, employee engagement, and performance management initiatives.

· Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

· Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including Safety, Facilities, Loss Prevention, Human Resources, Inventory Control, and Transportation, to develop and execute plans that support business objectives.

· Resolve operational challenges and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and service levels.

· Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment while promoting a strong safety culture throughout the facility.

Education & Experience Requirements

· High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain/Logistics, or a related field preferred. Master’s degree is a plus.

· 5+ years of leadership experience in warehouse, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or fulfillment operations.

· Experience leading large teams in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

· Experience managing a team of 2+ salaried employees and 70+ indirect employees.

· Proven experience managing productivity, quality, safety, labor performance, and operational metrics.

· 1+ years of experience working with performance metrics, process improvement initiatives, or Lean methodologies.

· Experience scoping, leading, and implementing process improvements through Lean processes, Kaizen events, and/or Six Sigma methodologies.

· Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.

· Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Proven track record of meeting or exceeding departmental performance goals.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

· Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Labor Management Systems preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven ability to drive results through accountability and performance management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading change and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Physical & Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8–12 hours).
• Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work around moving equipment, warehouse machinery, and varying temperatures.
• Exposure to warehouse noise and operational activity.
• Ability to climb stairs and navigate large warehouse facilities as needed.

This role is critical to the overall success of the distribution center. Successful Operations Managers demonstrate strong leadership, business acumen, operational expertise, and a commitment to developing teams while delivering exceptional operational results.