Distribution Operations Manager Jobs in Sylacauga, AL

Lincoln AL - V16
1800 Honda Dr
Lincoln, AL 35096, USA

General Manager – Onsite 3PL (Automotive Manufacturing Support)

Location: Onsite at an automotive manufacturing facility in central Alabama

Position Summary

The General Manager is the senior onsite leader responsible for the full operational, financial, safety, and customer performance of a dedicated third‑party logistics (3PL) operation supporting automotive manufacturing. This role owns end‑to‑end site performance for inbound/outbound logistics, inventory management, sequencing, warehousing, and related services that enable just‑in‑time (JIT) or sequenced parts delivery to the production line. The GM drives profitable growth, operational excellence, and strong partnership with the OEM or Tier 1 customer while leading a multi‑shift team in a fast‑paced, high‑reliability manufacturing environment.

• Own full P&L accountability for the site, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, labor productivity, and margin improvement.
• Direct all daily operations: receiving, put‑away, inventory control, staging, outbound shipping, and returns/rework to meet strict automotive delivery windows and quality standards.
• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for the customer (OEM/Tier 1), managing service‑level agreements (SLAs), KPIs (on‑time delivery, inventory accuracy, damage rates, etc.), issue escalation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and develop multi‑level teams (managers, leads, associates) across 3 shifts; work with HR on recruiting, training, performance management, coaching, and retention in a multi‑shift environment.
• Champion a zero‑harm safety culture; ensure full compliance with OSHA, company policies, customer requirements, and automotive industry standards (e.g., handling of stamped parts, sequenced modules, or finished vehicles/components).
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies; optimize material flow, reduce waste, improve throughput, and implement process standardization (SOPs, visual management, WMS utilization).
• Oversee asset and facility management, including equipment maintenance, capacity planning, and capital recommendations.
• Manage inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and WMS discipline; minimize shrinkage and support traceability requirements common in automotive supply chains.
• Ensure regulatory and customer compliance (quality systems, environmental, and labor standards).
• Collaborate with corporate/regional leadership on strategic initiatives, new program launches, volume ramps, and business development opportunities.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators; take corrective action to meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people metrics.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and significant experience accepted.
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in 3PL, warehousing, distribution, or manufacturing logistics, with at least 5 years in a multi‑shift or high‑volume operations management role.
• Strong preference for direct automotive manufacturing or automotive supply‑chain experience (OEM, Tier 1, or dedicated 3PL supporting auto plants).
• Demonstrated P&L ownership and financial acumen (budgeting, cost‑to‑serve analysis, labor planning).
• Proven ability to lead large teams (50–200+ associates) and develop supervisors/managers.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), inventory control systems, and preferably automotive‑specific tools (sequencing, EDI, ASN, kanban, or similar).
• Solid understanding of Lean/continuous improvement principles; Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred.
• Excellent customer‑facing skills, problem‑solving ability, and communication skills in a high‑pressure manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work onsite with flexibility for multi‑shift coverage, weekends, or peak periods as needed.

• Prior onsite 3PL or dedicated contract logistics experience supporting automotive plants.
• Knowledge of Alabama‑specific automotive corridors and related labor/safety environments.
• Experience with high‑volume sequenced parts, module assembly support, or finished‑vehicle logistics.
• Advanced degree or professional certifications (CSCP, CLTD, Six Sigma Black Belt, etc.).

Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

Self‑Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

3 years: warehousing

5 years: automotive manufacturing

High School or better.

Bachelors or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.