Warehouse Distribution Manager - Strategic Leadership for Efficient Supply Chain Operations

Join Our Team: Leading Manufacturer of Vinegars, Condiments, and Sauces

At Mizkan America, we're passionate about Bringing Flavor to Life. As a subsidiary of the global Mizkan Group, we've been perfecting the art of flavor for over 220 years. With 12 manufacturing facilities across the United States, we're committed to delivering exceptional products to our customers while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability. We're now seeking a highly skilled and experienced Warehouse Distribution Manager to lead our warehousing and distribution operations, ensuring seamless and efficient supply chain management.

About Us

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a leading manufacturer of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States. Our company is built on two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. We believe in maximizing the potential of our team members and strive to create a collaborative and engaged work environment. Our leadership team values ideas for improvement from all employees, and we're committed to recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining our talented and multicultural workforce.

Job Summary

We're looking for a seasoned Warehouse Distribution Manager to oversee the relationships with our operated facilities and third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses, ensuring efficient receipt, storage, and dispatch of goods. As a key member of our operations team, you'll manage people, processes, and systems to drive productivity, meet inventory targets, and maintain a safe working environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join our team and contribute to our success story.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Development:
  • Provide coaching and mentoring to direct and non-direct reports to help them develop their skills and achieve their career goals.
  • Foster a collaborative and engaged environment by encouraging open communication and teamwork.
  • Assist in setting performance goals and providing regular feedback to team members.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including 3PL warehouses, Supply Chain Planning, Transportation, Plant Operations, Sales, Finance, Purchasing, Marketing, IT, and other departments to support Mizkan locations in delivering excellent customer service at the lowest cost.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for Mizkan facilities and 3PL warehouses, ensuring compliance with defined performance standards and addressing issues proactively.
• Budget Management / Cost Savings and Efficiency Projects:
  • Own the warehousing budget, creating and executing the financial plan for all warehouse activities.
  • Manage the process of creating and managing purchase orders (POs) for the warehouse budget.
  • Oversee invoice processing for warehousing-related invoices.
  • Ensure timely submission of Month-End Closeout reports to Finance and Accounting.
  • Identify and manage cost savings and efficiency projects related to warehousing as part of the Operations and Supply Chain team.
• Network Optimization and Improvements:
  • Accountable for network optimization activities within the warehousing and distribution network.
  • Drive improvements to the warehouse network, providing analysis, recommending improvements, and managing the execution of these improvements.
• Inventory Management:
  • Accountable for delivering on inventory accuracy targets, cycle counting, and physical inventory management.
• Site Visits and Reviews:
  • Travel to sites and conduct business reviews as needed.
• Project Delivery:
  • Deliver projects as directed by the Associate Director of Warehousing and Transportation and the VP of Operations.
• Vendor Management:
  • Own the relationship with vendors, such as third-party warehouse providers, pooled pallet providers, and other suppliers related to warehousing needs.
  • Establish and monitor performance standards, act as an escalation point, and direct actions as necessary.
  • Conduct negotiations with vendors, obtain competitive quotes, and execute contracts as needed.
  • Support the Overages, Shortages, and Damages process through investigation of all reported issues and implementation of corrective actions.
• Other Duties:
  • Participate in cost savings and efficiency projects related to warehousing.
  • Travel to sites and conduct audits and report on performance standards.
  • Assist in various ad hoc projects, which require data gathering, interdepartmental collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related area.
• 3-5 years of experience in Warehousing, Distribution, and/or Inventory Management.
• Prior people management experience is preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite functions and familiarity with Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of the organization, both inside and outside the company.
• Organization and time management skills required.
• Ability to travel 40% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• APICS Certification.
• Knowledge and/or prior experience working in a D365 environment.

What We Offer

At Mizkan America, we're committed to maximizing the potential of our team members. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Collaborative and engaged work environment.
• Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance.

Why Join Us?

We're looking for talented individuals who share our passion for delivering exceptional products and customer service. As a Warehouse Distribution Manager at Mizkan America, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead our warehousing and distribution operations, ensuring seamless and efficient supply chain management.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business results.
• Contribute to our company's success story and growth.

How to Apply

If you're ready for this exciting challenge, please apply now. We look forward to discussing how you can become a vital part of our success story.

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