Distribution Center Manager - Woodridge

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures in Woodridge, IL, is seeking a Distribution Center Manager to oversee daily operations and drive efficiency in our Woodridge distribution center. You will lead staff performance, safety, and inventory accuracy while partnering with IT and Transportation teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership on the warehouse floor, staff development, and adherence to Lean and 5S principles to maximize throughput and minimize waste.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience accepted.
• Minimum 5+ years in a distribution/warehouse leadership role.
• Ability to coach and develop staff on the floor.
• Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.
• Knowledge of Lean and 5S methodologies and warehouse strategies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations at Woodridge distribution center.
• Ensure inbound/outbound shipments and inventory accuracy.
• Lead onboarding, development, and cross-training of staff.
• Manage KPIs for warehouse processes and continuous improvement.
• Enforce safety, discipline, and teamwork; ensure OSHA compliance.
• Troubleshoot Oracle and TMS with IT/Transportation teams as needed.
• Drive throughput and storage optimization; perform other duties as required.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory skills

Team development

Communication

Lean principles

5S methodology

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Oracle

TMS

MS Office

Job description

Reporting To: Director of US Manufacturing and Distribution Centers

Role Location: Woodridge, IL

Travel: Up to 10%

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Gerber is proudly celebrating over 90 years of manufacturing, tried and true, high-quality kitchen and bathroom plumbing products. We earn the trust of trade professionals and homeowners alike who find value in products that have both style and substance–performing without exception for years to come, all while surprisingly affordable.

WHO WE ARE

At Globe Union/Gerber, we live by our core values—Humility, Enthusiasm, Accountability, Resourcefulness, and Transparency. As a Distribution Center Manager, you will:

• Show Humility: Value input from all team members and recognize opportunities for growth.
• Be Enthusiastic: Embrace challenges and continuously seek to deepen your business knowledge.
• Take Accountability: Own your work and commitments and proactively address challenges.
• Be Resourceful: Prioritize effectively, leverage resources, and collaborate for maximum impact.
• Practice Transparency: Communicate openly, seek clarity, and uphold integrity in all interactions.

These values are integral to our culture and your success in this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overall day-to-day operations for Woodridge distribution center.
• Responsible for oversight and accuracy of all inbound and outbound shipments and inventory.
• Responsible for the daily performance, onboarding, development, and cross-training of staff.
• Manage key performance indicators for warehouse processes for continuous improvements.
• Responsible for performing similar duties, as your staff on an as needed basis.
• Enforce company rules regarding safety, discipline, cooperation, and teamwork.
• Ensure complete OSHA and internal safety policy compliance.
• Continuous improvement of operational processes and procedures.
• Responsible for maximizing throughput and storage.
• Troubleshoot Oracle and our TMS for issues as they occur and work with our IT team and/or Transportation team as needed.
• Enforce and support all standard operating procedures.
• Flexibility to perform other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree (equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree).
• 5+ years’ experience in the job offered.
• This role will be required to be out on the floor actively performing similar tasks as staff, as needed.
• Ability to stand, bend, and lift throughout the day.
• Lifting requirement of up to 50 lbs.
• Must have excellent supervisory skills and the ability to coach and develop employees.
• Bilingual, English/ Spanish, preferred but not required.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and the willingness to become certified in the areas necessary.
• Proficiency is MS Office suite
• Detail-oriented - precision and consistency is key to success in this role
• Ability to work effectively as a team as well as manage time and projects independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and leadership skills
• Understanding of Lean and 5S methodologies.
• Strong understanding of warehouse strategies and best practices.
• Goal-oriented with high standards for quality and performance
• Flexibility to effectively work with others from different culture, work habits, and management styles
• Hardworking, action-oriented, and results driven
• Demonstrates a “roll up your sleeves” initiative to get the job done
• Willingness to cooperate and accept added responsibilities