Senior Director, Distribution Operations

Simon & Schuster is seeking a Senior Director of Distribution Operations to oversee the operations of its 1.3 million square foot distribution facility in Jackson TN.  This person provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the efficient functioning of company fulfillment processes, logistics, and supply chain systems within the company. The Sr. Director partners with key organizational leaders to execute against key platform roadmaps while ensuring ongoing organizational alignment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage full warehouse and distribution operations and systems controls: relevant systems knowledge should include - warehouse management systems, labor management, conveyor control systems, voice picking technology, and reporting tools (Cognos, etc.)
• Evaluate operational efficiencies for process improvements and cost savings.
• Continuously improve fulfillment processes, efficiency enhancements, and cost controls
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with other departments to ensure production goals are met.
• Plan and lead continued development of warehouse management systems and conveyance systems – working with internal and external clients.
• Evaluate and prevent production issues with proactive best practices, collaborating with the VP of Distribution Operations in NJ. Collaborate with the Operations leadership teams.
• Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of staffing and personnel, making the necessary recommendations for optimization. Collaborating with Director of HR and onsite HRBP.
• Works to resolve issues articulated by management or other teams and ensure the resulting solution meets the organizations standards of quality and performance.
• Develop, budget, and execute on all operational matters that impact the TN operations.
• Interfaces regularly with key customers to develop a deep understanding of customer needs – both articulated and unarticulated.
• Works with existing external third-party vendors to assess partnership opportunities and external requirements.
• Conduct compliance audits to ensure adherence to standard operations procedures across fulfillment centers. Be the leader of all safety protocol and best practices in the facility – collaborating with the safety managers.
• There will be 4 direct reports to supervise, and those roles are Warehouse Managers. There are just over 100 people in total within the warehouse.

Required Qualifications:

• A 4-year degree in Logistics, Business or other related disciplines is preferred or equivalent experience in a distribution or transportation environment.
• 5+ plus years of management experience leading teams is preferred.
• 5+ plus years of relevant experience in a RF Distribution or Warehouse environment.
• Strong understanding of leading practices in KPI development, continuous improvement, business and root cause analytics
• Computer experience including Microsoft Office Suite; Warehouse Management Systems
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• 24/7 access to cell phone, email and security system in case of an emergency is essential.
• Outstanding communication skills
• Proven track record of effectively collaborating with company stakeholders across the planning and execution organization.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of P&L and operating performance metrics