Operations Readiness Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you a warehouse leader who loves to know how the gears turn behind the scenes? We’re looking for a Director who is as curious about the "how" as they are about the "who." If you’ve ever wished you could help build the tools your team uses every day, this unique project-to-leadership role was made for you.

During the initial 6–12 months, the role serves as a bridge between Operations, Warehouse Management System (Manhattan Active), and Leadership, partnering with a Business Analyst.  You will assist with testing activities, driving readiness across people, process, and systems.  After the testing period, the role transitions to Director, directly training and leading Managers, Supervisors and employees and leveraging your system and process knowledge to drive daily performance.

Phase 1: Operations Readiness & WMS Implementation

Ensure the warehouse is fully prepared to operate efficiently under the new WMS (MAWM).

• Lead and execute Unit Testing, System Integration Testing, and User Acceptance Testing
• Identify and recommend WMS configuration and process improvements to increase operational efficiency
• Drive department physical readiness, including layout, equipment and supplies.
• Develop and formalize SOPs and training materials aligned to actual system behavior
• Design department level reporting to support daily execution and leadership visibility
• Assist with the development of a detailed staffing plan by department, role, and shift
• Provide slotting strategy support to improve pick efficiency and space utilization
• Support Labor Management (LM) standards, reporting, and supervisor enablement
• Partner with Operations and IT to resolve issues and drive go live readiness

Phase 2: Director, Warehouse Operations (Post Stabilization)

Following go live stabilization, the role transitions, as a Director, Warehouse Operations, you will provide high-level business direction and mentorship to our Distribution Center leaders. You will take full ownership of expense management and service performance for your assigned area, focusing on building a consistent, high-quality experience for our customers. This is a vital leadership position overseeing a team of 100+ employees, where you will balance operational excellence with a commitment to corporate, regulatory compliance and performance goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists in the development of the financial and operational plans for their assigned teams, including the expense plans and targets per department including but not limited to operational performance, improvement plans, targeted expenses and labor management.
• Drives daily performance accountability across all areas while reinforcing a team-oriented, customer-focused approach.
• Owns standardization and leads disciplined process for identifying, testing, and verifying improvement opportunities.
• Responsible for the review and approval of department and overall staffing plans.
• Responsible for talent development, providing direction for and leading performance management and development amongst management teams.
• Oversees employee relations within the Distribution Center, including key areas such as hiring, performance management, employee development, and training.
• Establishes and maintains positive work environment creating engagement with Distribution Center employees.
• Coaches and mentors Lead Team members as well as other Distribution Center employees.
• Monitors performance and productivity measures for the purpose of maximizing earnings and reducing expenses in the facility.
• Reviews and monitors standard operating procedures; makes observations and recommends improvements to promote efficiency in Distribution Center related to, accuracy, improved service and lower costs.
• Supports compliance with all appropriate policies, procedures, safety rules, and government regulations; maintains and coordinates all areas of security within the Distribution Center.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or equivalent experience preferred.
• 8 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale warehouse, distribution, or fulfillment operations, with at least 3 to 5 years at management level.
• Strong expertise in warehouse management systems, workforce management systems, and labor planning.
• Extensive knowledge of warehousing, and distribution best practices.
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting skills. Strong analytical/problem solving skills to solve complex problems, generate ideas, and develop creative solutions
• Proven ability to leverage technology and automation to drive efficiency and improve supply chain performance.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to select, coach, develop, engage, and retain a team of salaried and hourly employees.
• Experience managing large-scale workforces in a 24/7, high-volume environment.

HarperCollins Publishers is a company full of people who are passionate about books.  When you apply for a position, we want to know why you want to work here, and why you are interested in the job. That’s why cover letters are strongly preferred.

The salary range for this position is $130,000-$160,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates. The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.  

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.     

HarperCollins Publishers is an equal opportunity employer.

HarperCollins Publishers is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at TalentManagement@harpercollins.com. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.