External Operations Manager Jobs in Plainfield, IL

Location: Romeoville, IL

Department: Cross-Dock/RDC - IB & OB

Shift: 11:00am Start to completion

Salary: $60,000/year - $80,000/year

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 Cross-Dock operation, both IB and OB, 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 providers-while maintaining a strong focus on KPIs, quality, service, and cost.
• Leadership of hourly associates: 15-20 direct report equipment operators
• 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.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Minimum Years of Experience: 3 in Distribution, Transportation, and/or Operations preferred
• 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

 

About The ODP Corporation: The ODP Corporation is a leading provider of products and services through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC and ODP Business Solutions, LLC; The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day. 

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified. Other duties may be assigned.  

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! You will be eligible to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions. For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button. 

How to Apply: Click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button. 

Application Deadline: The job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 days and will expire once the position has been filled. 

Equal Employment Opportunity: The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.   

Back in 1986, Office Depot OfficeMax started with one single store located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The vision: a place where customers could purchase office supplies in bulk for very low prices. Fast forward 30+ years, and here we stand - a multi-billion-dollar business leader with 1,300+ stores and a world-class website serving millions of valued customers around the globe. As we look to the future, we are focused on remaining a world leader in business services, office supplies and trusted support. Our goal: to find new and exciting ways to help our customers be the best they can be - and turn "business as usual" upside down.With an amazing team of approximately 38,000 associates, we have an incredible variety of roles in which you can help contribute to the success of an innovative, forward-looking, business leader. Where do you see yourself?
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