Distribution Center/Warehouse Associate Manager

The Associate Operations Manager is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the Distribution Center while developing leadership capabilities necessary for future Operations Manager responsibilities. This role partners with functional leaders across Inbound, Outbound, Inventory Control, Quality, Transportation, Customer Service, and Planning to drive safety, service, quality, inventory accuracy, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Associate Operations Manager provides frontline leadership, analyzes operational performance, identifies improvement opportunities, and ensures compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. This role serves as a key member of the site leadership team and is responsible for supporting strategic operational objectives.

This role is onsite M-F in our Lancaster, PA office. 

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Support day-to-day warehouse and distribution activities across receiving, putaway, replenishment, picking, packing, shipping, returns and inventory control.
• Monitor operational performance to ensure customer service and productivity goals are achieved.
• Partner with DHL operational leaders to resolve operational issues and remove barriers to execution.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership and employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, company policies, and site procedures.
• Participate in safety audits, investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support Dangerous Goods (DG) compliance and transportation requirements where applicable.

Quality & Inventory Management

• Drive inventory accuracy through supporting SOP and ensuring all work instructions are being followed.
• Support quality initiatives, non-conformance investigations, CAPA activities, and process audits.
• Partner with Inventory Control and Quality teams to ensure compliance with regulated processes.

Performance Management

• Review and analyze daily operational KPIs including:
  • On-Time Shipping
  • Orders Shipped
  • Units Processed
  • Inventory Accuracy
  • Dock-to-Stock Performance
  • Productivity Metrics
  • Aging Receipts
  • Quality Performance
• Develop action plans to close performance gaps.
• Communicate results and operational priorities during daily management meetings.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, eliminate waste, and reduce operational costs.
• Participate in Kaizen events, Lean initiatives, and process optimization projects.
• Support warehouse management system (WMS/EWM) enhancements and operational implementations.
• Lead projects focused on safety, quality, service, inventory, and productivity improvements.

People Leadership

• Support performance management processes including goal setting, feedback, and recognition.
• Foster an inclusive and engaged work environment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Customer Service, Planning, Transportation, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance teams.
• Support issue resolution and escalation management affecting customer service or operational performance.
• Participate in site leadership meetings and contribute to strategic planning activities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Associate Operations Manager will be evaluated on:

Safety

• OSHA Recordable Rate
• Near Miss Reporting

Service

• On-Time Shipping In Full (OTIF)
• Order Cycle Time
• Customer Service Performance

Inventory

• Inventory Accuracy

Productivity

• Labor Productivity
• Units Processed per Labor Hour

Quality

• Non-Conformances
• CAPA Completion
• Audit Performance

Continuous Improvement

• Cost Savings
• Process Improvements Implemented
• Project Completion Metrics

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, Logistics, Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP EWM.
• Lean, Six Sigma, APICS, or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience within medical device, healthcare, pharmaceutical, or regulated industries.
• Knowledge of transportation, dangerous goods, and distribution compliance requirements.
• Project management experience.

The base salary for this remote located in Lancaster,PA  is between $75,000 - $90,000. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.