Distribution Operations Manager Jobs in California

The Operations Manager is a key leader responsible for directing, optimizing, and executing daily distribution and/or transportation activities within assigned market areas. This includes operational oversight of one or more functions such as receiving, order fulfillment, shipping/loadout, and/or transportation.

The role owns P&L performance for the assigned area, with accountability for staffing, cost control, safety, service, and the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs). The Operations Manager ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and company policies while maintaining a strong culture of safety.

This position partners closely with site and regional leadership to design, refine, and implement work processes that improve productivity, quality, and overall efficiency. As a member of the leadership team, the Operations Manager is constantly looking for opportunities to enhance operations and deliver excellent experience for both internal and external customers.

The Operations Manager builds and sustains a cohesive, high-performing team by hiring, engaging, and developing associates, providing clear direction and feedback, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership & Performance:
• Plan and manage efficient receipt, storage, order fulfillment, loading, and/or transportation activities including third-party providerswhile maintaining a strong focus on KPIs, quality, service, and cost.
• Utilize forecasting tools and methodologies to align labor, capacity, and resources with current and anticipated volume.
• Monitor, analyze, and act on operational performance data (productivity, quality, utilization) to drive continuous improvement.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external customers, and third-party providers/carriers.
• Participate in leadership meetings, customer visits, and third-party audits; proactively identify business opportunities and process improvements that enhance service and support growth.
• People Leadership & Development:
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop distribution and/or transportation team members; ensure appropriate staffing and coverage to meet business needs.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and motivation for a team of approximately 20-50 coworkers, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and collaboration.
• Conduct performance reviews, ongoing coaching conversations, and salary recommendations.
• Promote open, transparent communication and ensure associates understand goals, expectations, and priorities.
• Safety, Compliance & Workplace Standards:
• Administer training, qualification, and safety programs to ensure regulatory and company policy compliance.
• Communicate and enforce policies, procedures, and standard work within assigned areas.
• Ensure the physical condition of the facility and work areas supports a clean, safe, and healthy working environment.
• Financial Management & Continuous Improvement:
• Own and manage multi-departmental P&Ls with accountability for budget performance, cost control, and operational efficiency.
• Identify and implement initiatives that reduce cost-to-serve while maintaining or improving service levels.
• Implement Lean principles and methodologies to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Lead cross-functional teams in problem-solving and process-improvement initiatives; standardize best practices across the operation.
• Other Responsibilities:
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support business needs and organizational objectives.

Education and Experience:

• Level of Formal Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Area of Study: Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Distribution Management preferred.
• Minimum Years of Experience: 3
• Type of Experience: Leadership role in Distribution, Transportation, and/or Operations preferred
• Technical Competencies & Information Systems: Microsoft Office to include Outlook and Teams
• Skills & Abilities:
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams
• Deep knowledge of warehouse and/or transportation operations, procedures, and best practices
• Proven, sound decision-making skills in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate employees to achieve operational, safety, and service goals
• Additional Language Skills: English. Spanish is a plus.
• Personal Attributes & Other/Preferred:
• Self-motivated, proactive, and accountable
• Collaborative team player who builds strong relationships across functions and levels
• Able to set clear expectations, monitor progress, and hold self and others accountable for results
• Effective at leading through change and providing timely, candid coaching and feedback to associates
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to adjust priorities to meet evolving business needs
• Comfortable meeting with customers and clients to build strong partnerships, understand their needs, and identify opportunities to grow the business
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to forecast the business, interpret results, and adjust plans and resources based on changing conditions