Distribution Operations Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Run the floor. Lead the team. Deliver for pets and the people who love them.

Are you a hands-on operations leader who loves bringing order to complexity, developing teams, and driving results in a fast-paced environment? We’re looking for a Distribution Manager to lead daily distribution center operations while building a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

In this role, you’ll oversee warehouse, delivery, and direct-to-consumer operations for pet food and accessories—ensuring everything moves efficiently, safely, and on time. If you enjoy being visible on the floor, solving problems in real time, and owning results end to end, this role is for you.

Own the Day-to-Day Operations

• Lead all distribution center activities including receiving, warehousing, shipping, delivery, and direct-to-consumer operations.
• Ensure operations are executed accurately, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
• Maintain full P&L expense responsibility and meet all established KPIs.

Lead, Develop & Inspire Teams

• Manage exempt and non-exempt administrative, warehouse, and delivery employees.
• Handle all people management activities: hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and discipline.
• Deliver strong onboarding and 30-60-90 day reviews, ongoing coaching, and annual evaluations.
• Review and approve timekeeping, incentives, attendance tracking, and performance documentation.
• Partner closely with HR on employee relations matters including safety incidents, compliance issues, and employee concerns.

Create a Culture People Want to Be Part Of

• Foster a safe, productive, and engaged workplace where employees understand expectations and how their work supports company goals.
• Promote accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement across all functions.
• Lead by example with a visible, hands-on leadership style.

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Analyze operations, identify root causes, and implement solutions that improve safety, service, cost, and efficiency.
• Lead implementation of new processes, systems, tools, and training programs.
• Partner cross-functionally to improve service levels, retention, and operational performance.

Plan for Growth & Stability

• Develop and execute long-term operational plans to support growth while maintaining efficiency and leadership continuity.
• Partner with Warehouse Managers, Supervisors, Transportation, Finance, and other departments to meet site and company goals.
• Take ownership of key projects and mobilize teams to deliver results.

Financial & KPI Management

• Partner with Finance to develop budgets and cost-control strategies.
• Achieve monthly and annual budget targets.
• Track and meet KPIs including fill rate, on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, retention, and turnover.

Inventory, Quality & Compliance

• Maintain effective inventory control across Central Pet, Hill’s, and Direct-to-Consumer product lines.
• Meet all Direct-to-Consumer SLAs and customer requirements.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, AIB, GDPs, and all applicable regulations.
• Maintain quality systems, inventory audits, cycle counts, physical inventories, and mock recoveries when required.

Safety First—Always

• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the facility.
• Lead the site Safety Committee, quarterly meetings, and facility inspections.
• Ensure safety of employees, vendors, and visitors.

Vendor & Facility Oversight

• Negotiate and manage vendor and freight carrier relationships.
• Oversee facility maintenance, material handling equipment, and vehicle fleet.
• Recommend and support capital improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in distribution and transportation management.
• 7+ years of progressive distribution operations leadership in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Experience overseeing fulfillment, delivery, safety, inventory control, and employee development.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L responsibility.
• Confident, clear communicator with the ability to connect at all levels.
• A hands-on, high-energy leadership style with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Deep knowledge of warehouse operations and OSHA/DOT compliance.
• Experience with WMS and RF technology.
• Advanced Excel and strong MS Office skills.
• A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a “roll-up-your-sleeves” mentality.

This isn’t just about running a warehouse—it’s about leading people, improving processes, and delivering products pets depend on every day. You’ll have real ownership, real impact, and the chance to grow alongside a mission-driven operation.

If you’re ready to lead from the floor and drive results that matter, we want to hear from you.

INDPPFS