Operations Manager Startup Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Position Purpose Summary:

Heritage Imports LLC (HEIM), is seeking a highly driven and hands-on Operations Manager to lead the launch and daily operations of our first company operated distribution center in St. Louis, Missouri. This is a unique opportunity for an operations leader who wants to build something from the ground up, not simply manage an existing operation. The successful candidate will help establish operational processes, warehouse standards, transportation workflows, safety procedures, staffing models, and performance expectations that will become the operational blueprint for future HEIM distribution centers across the country.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong operational background in high-performance distribution, transportation, logistics, or industrial environments who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial settings. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with a willingness to work directly alongside the team on the warehouse floor. Early-stage operations will be intentionally lean, requiring a leader who is comfortable balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on execution, including unloading trucks, operating forklifts, staging freight, resolving operational issues, and improving processes in real time. This role offers significant long-term growth potential for a high performer who can successfully scale operations and build a high-performing team and culture.

HEIM also intends to transition the facility toward Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operational capability over time. While prior FTZ experience is not required, candidates with exposure to import logistics, customs processes, bonded or FTZ operations, international freight movement, or trade compliance environments are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Lead the startup and day-to-day operations of HEIM’s first distribution center in St. Louis

• Develop and implement operational standards, SOPs, warehouse workflows, and best practices

• Establish scalable processes that will serve as the operational template for future HEIM facilities

• Manage inbound and outbound freight operations, including receiving, staging, loading, unloading, scheduling, manifests, BOLs, and shipping documentation

• Coordinate with carriers, suppliers, internal teams, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and internal teams to support import logistics operations and ensure timely and accurate freight movement

• Maintain inventory accuracy through disciplined receiving, storage, cycle counting, and inventory control practices

• Develop lean operational systems focused on efficiency, organization, safety, and continuous improvement

• Analyze operational performance metrics and identify opportunities for productivity and cost improvements

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop warehouse associates as the operation grows

• Create a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence

• Ensure compliance with safety standards, warehouse regulations, and company policies

• Assist directly with warehouse operations as needed, including forklift operation, loading/unloading, order fulfillment, and general warehouse support

• Support the development and implementation of future FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) operational processes and compliance procedures

• Support future transportation and fleet operations initiatives as the business expands

• Partner with leadership to support network expansion and future distribution center development

This is not a traditional warehouse management role. HEIM is building a modern distribution operation from the ground up, and this position offers the opportunity to directly shape that future. The person hired into this role will help define the operational standards, systems, and culture that future HEIM facilities will follow. In addition to leading day-to-day warehouse and transportation operations, this individual will help support the long term development of HEIM’s broader logistics and import operations strategy, including future FTZ capabilities.

For the right candidate, this role offers exceptional long-term growth potential, including the opportunity to evolve into a senior operations leadership role overseeing multiple facilities, transportation operations, fleet management, and broader network strategy as HEIM expands nationally.

If you are someone who enjoys building, solving problems, creating structure, leading teams, and operating with both urgency and ownership, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact within a rapidly growing business.

Education/Experience

Certifications: None required; Six Sigma, Lean Systems, supply chain, or logistics certifications a plus; forklift certification preferred

Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, Engineering or related field preferred

Years of Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive operations, warehouse, distribution, transportation, or logistics leadership experience required

• Experience with import logistics, international freight operations, customs compliance, bonded warehouse operations, or FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) environments strongly preferred

• Experience launching, stabilizing, or scaling operations preferred

• Prior powered industrial equipment experience preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong operational leadership and problem-solving abilities

• Deep understanding of warehouse operations, transportation workflows, and inventory management

• Ability to build structure and processes in a startup or rapidly evolving environment

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple operational priorities

• Hands-on leadership mentality with willingness to work directly in warehouse operations

• Strong communication and team leadership skills

• Data-driven mindset with focus on KPIs, process improvement, and operational efficiency

• Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions

• High sense of ownership, urgency, accountability, and initiative

• Proficiency with warehouse systems, Excel, and operational reporting tools

• Ability to operate effectively in lean staffing environments