Sr Manager, Distribution

Gay Lea Foods; Brampton; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian dairy food company is seeking a Senior Distribution Manager to oversee operations at the Central Distribution Center. This role includes inventory management, team leadership, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have supervisory experience, knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, and strong leadership skills. Join a company that values diversity and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years relevant supervisory experience.
• Solid knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Experience with inventory control and automated systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee inventory management and operational processes.
• Develop and manage budget plans for distribution operations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Inventory Management

Cost Management

Continuous Improvement

Education

Post secondary education

Tools

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

ERP

Transportation Management System (TMS)

MS Office

Job description

7855 Heritage Rd, Brampton, ON L6Y 0N3, Canada

Job Description

Posted Monday, May 5, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Department: Distribution
Reports to: Sr. Director of Distribution and Transportation
Status: Full-time

Job Scope

Reporting to the Senior Director of Distribution and Transportation, the Senior Distribution Manager oversees all operations at the Central Distribution Center, including network-wide inventory management across internal and third-party facilities. This role is responsible for optimizing warehousing, transportation, and inventory processes to ensure efficiency, cost control, safety, and compliance. Leading a dedicated team, the Senior Distribution Manager drives operational excellence, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborates with cross-functional teams and external partners to meet organizational and customer needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Management

• Lead and oversee inventory management practices across the entire network, including third-party warehouses, to maintain accuracy, control, and availability.
• Implement and monitor inventory control policies, including cycle counts, physical counts, and real-time tracking, ensuring that all processes are standardized across the network.
• Leverage data analytics to assess inventory performance, minimize discrepancies, and support optimal stock levels, balancing service levels with cost efficiency.

Operational Leadership and Team Development

• Provide daily leadership and guidance to the distribution team, ensuring alignment with safety protocols, quality standards, and operational objectives.
• Mentor and coach supervisors and team members on performance management, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Conduct regular team meetings to review department activities, communicate policy updates, and discuss performance against key metrics and organizational objectives.

Cost Management and Budget Oversight

• Develop and manage budget plans for distribution center operations, actively tracking and controlling expenditures across labor, transportation, and facility management.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives across all operational areas, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and the achievement of financial performance targets.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Distribution and Transportation to align budgeting efforts with broader supply chain cost strategies.

Vendor and Stakeholder Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and key stakeholders to ensure high service levels and smooth logistical flows.
• Oversee contract negotiations with carriers and logistics partners, establishing favorable terms that align with service and cost expectations while mitigating risks.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot distribution challenges, leveraging collaborative efforts to improve overall logistics performance.

Safety, Compliance, and Process Improvement

• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including Ministry requirements, HACCP protocols, and best practices in distribution safety.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing throughput, benchmarking against industry standards for best practices.

Warehouse and Facility Operations

• Manage all aspects of warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across workflows.
• Maintain compliance with established warehouse safety standards, ensuring a secure and efficient environment for all personnel and goods.
• Develop and implement labor modeling and scheduling practices to optimize productivity while controlling labor costs, adapting to business needs as required.

Performance Management and Reporting

• Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and optimize distribution operations, utilizing data to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide regular performance reports to senior leadership, offering insights into distribution center performance, cost management efforts, and operational challenges.

Employee Engagement and Site Culture

• Foster a positive workplace culture that values collaboration, accountability, and respect, ensuring employees feel engaged and supported.
• Champion health and safety standards, providing training and resources to promote a safe and productive working environment for all team members.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to participate in initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace efficiency and service quality.

Qualifications:

• Post secondary education and/or minimum five (5) years relevant work experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, including excellent sanitary habits and knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) considered a strong asset.
• Solid experience and working knowledge of an automated Warehouse Management System (WMS), ERP, and Transportation Management System (TMS)
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills, including written and verbal
• Effective leadership skills with the ability to work well with and through others.
• Familiar with total quality management and continuous improvement processes.
• Good decision-making & problem-solving capabilities.
• Computer skills – experience with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Physically capable of performing the demands of the job

Gay Lea Foods is a proud Canadian-owned dairy food and beverage company with a robust portfolio that includes 7 established brands such as Gay Lea Butter, Nordica Cottage Cheese, Ivanhoe Cheese, Salerno Cheese, and Hewitt’s Dairy.Our wide range of products are sold in Retail, Foodservice, Industrial, Co-pack, and Export markets, developed and produced out of our 13 manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Alberta.

Delivering high-quality and innovative products - from the consumer favourite Spreadables and North America’s first Smooth Cottage Cheese, to Nothing But Cheese, an innovative snack made with 100% cheese, is what makes us market leaders in our categories. Our grassroots approach to business is what guides our direction and differentiates us from our competitors.

Our employees inspire our culture of excellence and entrepreneurship. We hire innovative and passionate professionals who know that greatness is achieved through people, partnerships, and acting with a business owner mindset.

For more about us visit:http://www.gaylea.com

Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.

Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!

7855 Heritage Rd, Brampton, ON L6Y 0N3, Canada