Area Distribution Manager - Tacoma, WA

CJ Schwan's; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s, a leader in food distribution, seeks an experienced Area Distribution Manager to oversee depot operations in Tacoma, WA and Portland, OR. You will guide ~15 staff, optimize routes, ensure DOT safety compliance, and partner across sales, merchandising, and operations to drive growth.

You bring 5+ years of distribution or sales leadership, a CDL, and strong communication and analytical skills to improve delivery performance and customer service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years related experience, preferably guiding DSD or sales teams.
• Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong analytical and time-management skills.
• Must meet DOT medical certification and hold a valid CDL.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of ~15 staff across northern Oregon and western Washington to support sales distribution.
• Optimize deliveries, truck utilization, and in-store customer service.
• Oversee routing planning and pre/post-trip execution.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop depot staff.
• Prepare financial and KPI reports for management.
• Monitor distribution and expenses; identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze distribution data to drive business decisions.
• Maintain customer relationships across sales, merchandising, and operations.
• Ensure DOT and safety compliance.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Windows

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Office Suite

Outlook

Job description

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima ®, Chef One ®, Twin Marquis ® and Minh®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.

We're seeking an experienced Area Distribution Manager to lead depot distribution operations in the Tacoma, WA and Portland, OR areas. This role is responsible for driving operational performance, developing and coaching distribution teams, ensuring DOT and safety compliance, optimizing routing and delivery execution, and partnering across sales, merchandising, and operations to support business growth.

What You Will Do

• Manage a team of ~15 staff situated in northern Oregon and western Washington to achieve distribution support of sales, operate within DOT guidelines and implementation of safety practices.
• Guide your team to ensure the maximization of deliveries, truck utilization, and provide extended support of store level sales opportunities through in-store promotions and customer service.
• Manage the preparation of distribution maintenance, dynamic routing and pre-trip/post-trip execution.
• Facilitate the recruitment, hiring, training and development of all depot distribution staff.
• Prepare and present financial and budget reports to management on status and key performance indicators.
• Monitor ongoing distribution and expense performance, communicate results and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Analyze all distribution data and reports in order to make relevant business decisions.
• Manage customer relationships through continuous communications between sales, merchandising and operations to ensure maximum efficiencies and customer service.
• Ensure compliance and implementation of all company safety and DOT policies and procedures.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience,
• 5+ years related experience, ideally guiding DSD or sales teams.
• Basic proficiency in the use of a personal computer including Windows and the Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, as well as presenting information in group settings to a wide variety of audiences. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong organizational and time management skills.

Must meet the Federal Department of Transportation driver eligibility, medical certification requirements, and must possess a valid CDL from state of residence in order to operate a commercial motor vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or greater.

What We Offer

The base salary range for this position is $68,000 - $113,000 annually with eligibility for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) bonus up to 20%, based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs.