Merchandise Planning Internship Jobs in Virginia

"Transition Your Military Skills to Retail Supply Chain/Logistics/Transportation: Continue Your Mission in Civilian Service!" Skill Bridge AND NEXCOM, the perfect start into the NEX(t)/You!
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Skill Bridge Program can enhance your marketability and help you find a place in the Retail Supply Chain industry so you can live the life you deserve and continue to be a part of the mission. DoD Skill Bridge matches civilian opportunities with your training and interests during the last few months of service. Industry partners like NEXCOM provide skills and certifications intended for immediate employment. We have opportunities available in positions such as General Manger and Warehouse Management Specialist (WMS).
Who we are:
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) is a global division of the U.S. Navy responsible for operating retail and service operations for active-duty military personnel, their families, and other eligible patrons. NEXCOM manages Navy Exchanges (NEX), which offer a wide range of goods and services such as clothing, electronics, groceries, and household items, often at discounted prices. We also oversee various programs and services, including uniform sales, telecommunications, and travel.
NEXCOM aims to deliver excellent customer service, contribute to the morale and well-being of service members and their families, and generate earnings reinvested into the Navy's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs, playing a critical role in supporting military families and enhancing overall readiness through MWR services.
Our mission:
NEXCOM's mission is to provide quality goods and services at competitive prices to active-duty military personnel, retirees, and their families, while supporting the welfare and readiness of the Navy community.
With a focus is on enhancing the overall quality of life for Navy personnel and supporting their operational readiness, our true mission is YOU.
Program Summary:
DoD Skill Bridge Internships are available to help transitioning active-duty military personnel gain real-world experience in the work force sometime during their final 180 days of active-duty service. The intern will actively train on meaningful projects, working closely with a mentor and senior company leadership to efficiently manage the flow of merchandise from our vendor's docks to the backrooms of NEX locations worldwide, while striving to improve service levels and drive down transportation and distribution costs.
NEXCOM's Internship programs are focused on placing transitioning military into internships that require KSAs, Education & Military Training similar to their current or previous military jobs; positions that could easily transition over to a full-time regular and permanent job with NEXCOM.
Salary:
Service members participating in the VA Skill Bridge program will continue to receive their DOD salary and benefits while engaging in this unpaid internship through the DoD Skill Bridge Program for transitioning active-duty U.S. military personnel.
Location: While we are global, we are starting off this program at our headquarters' location in Virginia Beach, VA
Apply now and start your future!
Job Summary: Under the direction of the Logistics Directorate plans and directs purchasing inventory control warehousing shipping and distribution operations at a local warehouse to guide the enterprise in achieving corporate business goals and objectives. This role involves overseeing the training and development of the distribution operations team ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their jobs effectively.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Distribution General Manager plays a key role in developing and maintaining a skilled workforce to meet the dynamic demands of a distribution environment. Focusing on training, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement, the position ensures optimized operations and enhanced employee performance, contributing to the overall success of the distribution center. Works in collaboration with various teams-including Merchandise Planning, Distribution Support, Transportation, Store Operations, Contracting, and Logistics Leadership-is essential. This collaboration enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, ensuring alignment across functions and supporting continuous improvement initiatives to achieve organizational distribution goals.
Functional Areas of Internship focus will be as a follows:
- Business Management
Operations Management: Oversee and manage daily operations of the NEXCOM distribution center, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and timely fulfillment of orders.
Strategy Development: Develop and implement strategies to streamline distribution processes, improve service delivery, and meet business objectives.
Team Leadership: Lead and manage the distribution center workforce, ensuring alignment with goals and fostering a positive, productive work environment.
Performance Analysis: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as throughput, inventory turns, on-time delivery, and labor efficiency. Use data to drive improvements and optimize operations.
Collaboration with Divisions: Work cross-functionally with departments such as Merchandising, Marketing, IT, Human Resources, and Finance to ensure alignment with broader NEXCOM business strategies and objectives.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks in the distribution process, including safety concerns, supply chain disruptions, and compliance issues.
- Technical Training & Expertise
Data Analysis and Optimization: Use data to assess current distribution performance, identify trends, and implement solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Automation: Lead efforts to integrate automation technologies, such as robotic systems, automated sorting, and inventory management tools, to streamline operations and reduce manual labor.
Supply Chain and Tracking: Oversee supply chain logistics, ensuring that all products are tracked efficiently from receipt to delivery. Implement tracking systems to monitor goods in real time.
Quality Control and Compliance: Ensure all goods received and shipped meet quality standards. Oversee compliance with relevant industry regulations (e.g., OSHA, DOT, HAZMAT) and internal standards.
- Process Improvement and Optimization
Automation and Technology Integration: Evaluate and implement technology solutions that enhance distribution operations, such as advanced warehouse management systems (WMS), inventory control tools, and supply chain optimization software.
Continuous Process Optimization: Identify inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement practices to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve throughput.
Quality Assurance Programs: Administer quality assurance programs to ensure accuracy in order fulfillment, inventory management, and product quality.
- Staff Management and Training
Staff Development: Oversee the hiring, training, and ongoing development of distribution center staff, ensuring that all employees are skilled in using equipment and adhering to safety protocols.
Technical Training: Provide technical training for associates on equipment, technology, and safety procedures, ensuring a high level of proficiency and compliance.
Performance Evaluation: Evaluate employee performance regularly, providing feedback and coaching to drive continuous improvement.
- Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization
Inventory Management: Optimize inventory levels through data-driven insights and efficient stock rotation practices, balancing demand and supply while minimizing excess inventory.
On-Time Delivery Management: Ensure that products are delivered within required timeframes by monitoring fulfillment processes and working closely with transportation teams.
Logistics Coordination: Oversee the coordination of incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring all deliveries meet customer requirements and timelines.
- Compliance and Safety Management
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all operations adhere to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including OSHA, DOT, and HAZMAT requirements.
Safety Protocols: Promote a culture of safety through regular training, compliance monitoring, and incident prevention strategies to minimize workplace accidents.
Quality Control: Implement and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure the accuracy and integrity of inventory and shipments.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Coordination with Divisions: Work collaboratively with other NEXCOM departments such as Merchandising, Marketing, IT, Human Resources, Finance, and Loss Prevention to ensure distribution operations support the company's overall goals.
Interdepartmental Communication: Maintain effective communication channels with key stakeholders across departments to align distribution efforts with business strategies and objectives.
- Fleet and Equipment Management
Fleet Oversight: Oversee the maintenance and operation of fleet vehicles, ensuring they are compliant with safety standards and operational needs.
Equipment Maintenance: Ensure the proper functioning of material handling equipment (MHE), conveyors, and other distribution tools. Implement preventive maintenance programs to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
- Technology-Driven Solutions
Automation Solutions: Lead the adoption of automation technologies in the warehouse, including robotics, automated sorting systems, and conveyor systems, to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Supply Chain Data Integration: Utilize advanced data analytics and machine learning tools to optimize inventory control, shipping routes, and warehouse layouts for maximum efficiency.
CMMS Implementation: Implement and manage the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track equipment performance, maintenance schedules, and repair activities.
- Sustainability Initiatives
Eco-Friendly Practices: Implement sustainable logistics practices to minimize the environmental impact of distribution operations. This includes optimizing transportation routes, reducing packaging waste, and adopting energy-efficient equipment.
Energy Efficiency: Evaluate energy use in the distribution center and implement measures to reduce consumption, such as using energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
The intern will be assigned special projects as needed.
TRAINING REQUIREMENT:
Associate must receive Hazardous Material (HazMat) training within 90 days of hire per Department of Transportation regulations.
Must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in DoD Instructions for Skill Bridge participation. Including the ability to participate in the apprenticeship program for no more than 120 days.
Skill Bridge Intern will possess at minimum an Interim Secret Security Clearance; with the ability to receive a full Secret Security Clearance.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential for team-based work assignments.
Physical Requirements will vary and is dependent on the Program of Instruction
Education and Experience dependent on Program of Instruction
Ten years relevant experience in Navy Logistics that include:
Seven years of progressively responsible experience which provided a knowledge of distribution and warehouse management systems, and techniques; materiel handling practices and procedures; or experience in one or more areas of storage and distribution activities such as physical receipt, inspection, storage, stock rotation, stock levels and distribution flow to location sites; and exempt or nonexempt supervisory experience; or similar work which demonstrated the knowledge and abilities required to supervise in a distribution environment.
Note: Applications accepted with final 12 months of active-duty service