Distribution Manager

Lovejoy, a business in the Timken family of brands, is looking to hire a Distribution Manager.

The Distribution Manager plans, organizes, and manages the receiving, storage, shipment of all products and inventory control, ensuring a smooth and consistent operation.

They provide supervision, support, and direction to all team members through training on various job functions, skills development, and problem resolution support.

They will also communicate the status of key performance measures and objectives for the Distribution Center.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES :

Supervises and coordinates activities of 20-25 employees engaged in one or more functional areas including : receiving, transporting, order filling, shipping, and / or maintaining stock records in both Lovejoy warehouses.

This position is considered a working manager that works alongside their team.

• Ensure on-time delivery of parts to customers. Accessible off-hours to resolve customer and / or supplier critical issues as needed to avoid becoming further elevated.
• Monitor and manage attendance, vacations, and absences to minimize impact on the team’s ability to meet customer needs.
• Monitor and maintain performance management process. This includes daily and periodic reviews of performance. Initiating personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers, discharges, and disciplinary actions per company policies and procedures.

Develops and enhances distribution team members.

• Communicate / coordinate with freight carriers to schedule pickups, special orders, and shipment tracking. Maintain a professional business relationship with carriers.
• Establishes work schedules and ensures that the schedules are correctly implemented and that jobs are assigned effectively and completed properly.
• Screens and provides input into the hiring of warehouse employees; ensures employees receive the appropriate training for their job function including the efficient and safe operation of all material handling equipment and warehouse machinery.
• Conducts forklift and safe PID training for the Lovejoy Facilities and ensures proper PID inspections are occurring per corporate safety guidelines and are properly documented throughout the facility.
• Initiates or suggests plans to motivate employees to achieve work goals.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOP) for all job functions within the department and ensures all new hires are properly trained and can demonstrate adherence to the specific SOP on a day-to-day basis.
• Must maintain on-going knowledge of trucking regulations pertaining to loads, types, hazardous materials, and sizes of trucks.
• Responsible for the safe operation, licensing, and maintenance of the company fleet. This includes determination of when is it unsafe to send the company truck to South Haven due to poor weather or road conditions.

Manager has the sole authority to not send the truck should they feel it is unsafe to travel.

• Actively participate in Lean continuous improvement program by identifying and eliminating process waste and ensuring that all standard work is being adhered to.
• Ability to travel to South Haven site at minimum 1-2 days per month and as needed.

TECHNICAL / FUNCTIONAL SKILLS :

• Qualified applicants must possess strong written and oral communications, strong analytical problem-solving ability and with great interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to motivate teams and manage conflict.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite of products
• Experience with SAP system preferred but not required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or business administration, or a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and manager level experience and training required.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment required.
• 2 to 3 years experience in distribution / shipping management experience with 20 or more employees is required.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards.

There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran / military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.