Senior Distribution Center Manager – High-Volume Grocery Distribution
Location: Minooka, IL
A rapidly growing food distribution company is seeking a dynamic, high-capacity leader to run an 800K+ square-foot grocery distribution center. This is a flagship facility with complex operations, multiple departments, and a fast-moving environment that demands strategic thinking, operational excellence, and strong leadership presence.
As the Senior Distribution Center Manager, you will own the day-to-day performance of the entire site. You’ll lead DC Operations, Maintenance, HR, Kitchen, Inventory, Quality, Safety, and all administrative functions (dotted-line), ensuring the building runs with precision, efficiency, and a culture of accountability. This role is central to the company’s continued expansion and offers significant visibility to executive leadership.
Job Purpose
Drive the operational, financial, and cultural success of a major distribution center. You will design and execute operational plans, elevate performance across all departments, and ensure the facility meets aggressive productivity, safety, and quality goals.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Optimize warehouse layout to maximize flow, turnover, and storage efficiency.
- Lead financial reporting and ensure accuracy across all operational metrics.
- Design and implement production planning for the entire facility.
- Coach teams on proper handling, storage, and shipping methods.
- Analyze inventory trends and recommend actions for slow-moving or excess stock.
- Ensure procedural compliance and maintain accurate stock-level records.
- Oversee special and periodic inventories with precision and planning.
- Investigate discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
- Set work procedures, schedules, and workflow standards for all departments.
- Provide clear direction through written and verbal communication.
- Assign and inspect work for accuracy, neatness, and policy alignment.
- Standardize processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
- Build a strong culture, resolve grievances, and maintain workforce harmony.
- Address errors and complaints with professionalism and urgency.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support the success of the DC.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Lead 4–12 managers who oversee departmental supervisors and 50–100 employees across multiple operational units.
- Drive performance through training, planning, assigning work, evaluating results, rewarding excellence, and enforcing accountability.
- Design and implement management and operational procedures that elevate the entire site.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or 3–5 years of related experience/training (or equivalent combination).
- Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
Reasoning & Leadership Ability
- Strong communication skills across all levels of management.
- Proven ability to lead a diverse workforce.
- Excellent organizational skills and deep knowledge of DC operations.
- Team-oriented leadership style with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
- Extended periods of computer work.
- Ability to climb stairs within the facility.
Work Environment
- Must be able to work in a large distribution center with varying temperatures.