IOS is seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Distribution Center Manager to lead warehouse and distribution operations in Amherst, NS
The successful candidate will oversee all day-to-day warehouse and distribution activities, ensuring operational excellence, safety compliance, service performance, inventory accuracy, productivity, and team engagement.
This role requires a strong operational leader with extensive experience in distribution center operations, logistics coordination, people leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience working with SAP, PC Data systems, warehouse management systems (WMS), and operational reporting tools is considered a strong asset and will be a key consideration during the hiring process.
The ideal candidate is bilingual (English/French), highly organized, performance-focused, and capable of leading teams in a fast-paced unionized warehouse and distribution environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Operations Management
- Lead and oversee all distribution center operations including receiving, storage, inventory control, order picking, shipping, and transportation coordination
- Ensure daily operational targets and customer service levels are consistently achieved
- Monitor KPIs related to productivity, operational efficiency, service levels, inventory accuracy, and workplace safety
- Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization
- Ensure compliance with safety requirements, company procedures, and regulatory guidelines
- Support workforce scheduling, labour planning, and operational execution
Inventory & Systems Management
- Maintain accurate inventory management, reconciliation, and reporting processes
- Utilize warehouse management systems and operational reporting tools to monitor performance
- Leverage SAP and PC Data systems to support operational planning, inventory accuracy, and reporting activities
- Analyze operational data to identify trends, operational gaps, and opportunities for improvement
- Support cycle counts, audits, and inventory investigations
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop salaried and hourly team members
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, operational excellence, and employee engagement
- Support performance management, employee development, coaching, and succession planning initiatives
- Partner with HR and leadership teams on workforce planning and employee relations matters
- Promote collaboration and strong communication across operational teams
Safety & Compliance
- Champion a strong health & safety culture throughout the operation
- Ensure all health and safety policies and procedures are followed consistently
- Conduct regular audits, investigations, and corrective actions as required
- Ensure compliance with company procedures, GMP standards, HACCP requirements, and applicable workplace regulations
- Promote safe work practices and continuous safety awareness programs
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with operations, transportation, customer service, maintenance, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure smooth operational flow
- Support strategic operational initiatives and cross-functional projects
- Assist leadership with operational planning, growth initiatives, and continuous improvement programs
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5–7 years of leadership experience within a distribution center, warehouse, logistics, or supply chain environment
- Strong working knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory management, shipping, receiving, and transportation coordination
- Experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods environments considered an asset
- Experience using SAP, PC Data systems, warehouse management systems, and operational reporting tools strongly preferred
- Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced operational environments
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, leadership, and team management capabilities
- Experience working in a unionized environment considered an asset
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel and reporting tools
- Bilingual English/French preferred
Core Competencies
Adaptive Intelligence
- Thrives in dynamic and fast-paced operational environments
- Demonstrates flexibility, agility, and adaptability to changing priorities
- Proactively identifies innovative solutions and operational improvements
- Uses setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement
- Maintains a solution-oriented mindset with openness to feedback
- Demonstrates calculated decision-making and strategic risk assessment
Collaborative Intelligence
- Builds strong working relationships and promotes teamwork
- Encourages collaboration across departments and operational teams
- Creates an inclusive, engaged, and high-performing work environment
- Supports knowledge sharing and cross-functional communication
Entrepreneurial Intelligence
- Drives continuous improvement initiatives to optimize productivity and operational performance
- Maintains strong customer and operational focus with accountability
- Executes operational goals with a hands-on leadership approach
- Learns from challenges and drives operational excellence
Leadership Competencies
Inspire & Energize Team Members
- Inspire and develop team members through coaching and mentorship
- Promote cross-functional collaboration and employee engagement
- Support employee growth through development planning and continuous feedback
- Communicate clear expectations and operational goals
- Use operational insight and leadership skills to influence positive outcomes
- Demonstrate patience, empathy, and active listening skills
Create Winning Relationships
- Inspire enthusiasm and commitment by communicating a clear path to success
- Empower team members through delegation, coaching, and development opportunities
- Identify, address, and resolve workplace conflicts professionally
- Build trust and maintain strong working relationships across teams
Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Encourage informed risk-taking and support learning from outcomes
- Create a positive and performance-driven work environment
- Recognize achievements and provide constructive performance feedback
- Foster accountability, ownership, and operational excellence
Schedule
- Monday to Friday
- Day Shift
- Flexibility required based on operational needs
Pay: $130,000.00-$150,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
