Director - DC Operations

American Eagle Outfitters; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Associate Discount

Casual Dress Code

Company Events

Job summary

American Eagle Outfitters seeks a Director – DC Operations to lead the startup and ongoing operations of a $40M automated Omni-Channel Distribution Center. You will oversee the launch, hire leadership, and make critical site decisions, joining a North American network serving 1,000+ stores across 81 countries with full P&L accountability.

As a culture-first leader, you will drive a high-performance team, maximize automation to meet SLA and CPU targets, and guide strategic, long-term site

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in large-scale retail or omni-channel distribution centers.
• Experience with startup/greenfield facility launches and site strategy.
• Strong P&L ownership and budgeting capabilities.
• Hands-on automation/modern fulfillment technology expertise.

Responsibilities

• Direct the site startup phase including facility setup and automation installation.
• Recruit and onboard a cohesive leadership team to drive site readiness and policy decisions.
• Lead operations post-launch to hit SLA and cost targets through automation and process optimization.
• Manage site P&L and budgets, develop long-term labor and expansion plans.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Director – DC Operations

DIRECT REPORTS: Manages a team of Operations Managers and up to 175 total associates across 4 shifts

Get to Know the Role:

Lead the operational, financial and cultural launch of a $40M, state-of-the-art automated Omni-Channel Distribution Center. As a greenfield startup, you will directly participate in building setup, systems installation, local leadership hiring and strategic site decisions. Once live, this facility will join AEO’s North American network—which processes 65,000 orders daily and serves 1,000+ stores across 81 countries—holding full P&L and operational accountability for all fulfillment, reverse logistics and support functions.

This role demands a visible, culture-first leader who thrives in a startup environment, driving success through frontline engagement, strong team delegation and maximum utilization of advanced automation to hit SLA and cost targets.

What You’ll Do:

Startup Strategy & Site Launch

• Direct the site startup phase, overseeing facility setup, installation and integration of automated systems and local operational strategy
• Recruit, hire and onboard a cohesive leadership team and foundational support staff to drive site readiness
• Make critical, localized decisions on site policies, workflows and vendor partnerships to ensure a seamless launch

People Leadership & Engagement

• Serve as the visible site leader, prioritizing daily frontline engagement from day one to establish retention, morale and performance
• Mentor your leadership team, delegating authority to empower managers to make decisions and solve operational challenges independently
• Communicate clear site strategy, set shift priorities and cultivate an "Employer of Choice" culture across all shifts

Operational Excellence & Automation

• Lead operations across a highly automated facility, maximizing material handling technology to hit speed and efficiency goals post-launch
• Support peak staffing, workflow execution and support function alignment (HR, LP, IT, Maintenance) to consistently meet or exceed SLAs and Cost Per Unit (CPU) targets
• Maintain a safe, secure and respectful working environment across the site

Fiscal Responsibility & Strategy

• Manage the site P&L and operational budget to achieve cost targets and maximize ROI on the $40M facility investment
• Develop long-term labor models, site expansion plans and continuous improvement strategies alongside vendor and engineering partners

What You Bring:

• Leadership Style: People-first, visible and adaptable. Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, build teams and hold leaders accountable
• Experience: 10–15 years of progressive leadership in large-scale retail, DTC or Omni-Channel distribution centers, including startup or greenfield facility launch experience
• Technical Mastery: Hands-on experience overseeing site automation installations and directing operations within modern, highly automated facilities; deep expertise in SLA delivery and production flow
• Financial & Strategic Acumen: Proven track record managing $50M+ operating budgets and major capital investments
• Education & Travel: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or equivalent experience; Willingness to travel as needed

Perks: Why You’ll Love it Here

• Generous Associate Discount: Treat yourself to the best our brands offer!
• Casual Dress Code: Come as you are (and stay comfy)
• Company Events: Exciting company-wide events you won’t want to miss!

Pay/Benefits Information:

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion

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