Operations Manager

About the Role

At Ship Essential, the Operations Manager is central to the entire inventory lifecycle management, ensuring smooth transitions of goods from arrival at the dock through dispatch. You will lead a proficient team of Functional Leads, fostering clarity, urgency, and high throughput in a fast-moving, urban fulfillment center.

Success in this role is measured by efficient product receiving, inventory availability, and order fulfillment that consistently meets Service Level Agreements (SLAs). You will act as a proactive problem solver, dynamically reallocating labor, eliminating operational bottlenecks, and maintaining a robust commitment to flawless execution without micromanaging.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage complete inventory flow from inbound receipt to outbound shipment to ensure all items are poised for picking.
• Identify and resolve inventory bottlenecks and idle zones by collaborating closely with team leads.
• Optimize warehouse slotting and overstock procedures to enhance picking productivity and uphold excellent housekeeping standards.
• Lead, mentor, and hold accountable Functional Leads across key areas including Receiving, Inventory, Returns, Picking, Packing, and Exceptions.
• Develop labor plans aligned with variable demand to optimally staff peak and regular shifts without excess.
• Ensure adherence to outbound order SLAs, guaranteeing same-day shipment of orders placed before cutoff times.
• Facilitate daily "Flow Huddles" and mid-shift reviews to monitor targets and adjust team focus accordingly.
• Conduct audits to maintain traceability of all units and orderly staging zones.
• Collaborate with Warehouse Account Managers on special handling requests, urgent orders, and brand-specific priorities.
• Report proactively to the General Manager with risk assessments and suggestions for structural improvements.

Candidate Profile

• Systems thinker dedicated to building preventive processes rather than just solving immediate problems.
• On-floor leadership approach valuing real-time observation and decision-making.
• Ability to stay composed and prioritize effectively in a high-pressure environment while motivating a large team.
• Strong focus on precision and detailed attention to inventory accuracy and data integrity.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of leadership experience within a high-volume warehouse or fulfillment center.
• Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems, preferably ShipHero, and labor planning software.
• Experience or knowledge in process engineering or continuous improvement methodologies like Lean is advantageous.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including potentially starting later in the day (e.g., 11 AM to 8:30 PM) to accommodate night fulfillment and peak volumes.

Why Join Ship Essential?

Join us as we build a scalable, disciplined third-party logistics provider serving dynamic direct-to-consumer brands nationwide. As Operations Manager, you will be pivotal in delivering the speed and dependability that define our service. This role suits a high-output leader passionate about precision and team execution.