Distribution Center Operations Manager - Rockford, IL

Rugby Architectural Building Products; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Medical - Dental - Vision

Wellness Programs

401(k) Traditional & Roth with Match

Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Rugby Architectural Building Products in Rockford, IL, operates a 100,000-square-foot warehouse with about $2 million in inventory and a team of 10 staff. The Operations Manager role is hands-on, requiring leadership across warehouse and logistics to ensure safe, accurate, and timely operations.

Compensation ranges from $95,000 to $105,000 per year, with a 9 a.m.–6 p.m. schedule, medical/dental/vision benefits, wellness programs, a 401(k) with match, PTO and holidays, and life/disability

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of management, warehouse operations, and logistics experience.
• Ability to strategically plan and execute on company directives.
• Proficient with basic change management experience (Lean Management Principles a plus).
• Ability to manage multiple shift warehouse operations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in dispatch systems and office software.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead warehouse, delivery, and inventory operations to ensure a safe, organized, highly accurate, and efficient environment.
• Drive cultural transformation using structured change management to build accountability, trust, and team buy-in across your department.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to streamline workflows and continuously improve productivity.
• Manage long-term, large-scale operational projects from initial planning through full implementation.
• Partner with the management team to align and execute overall operational strategy.
• Coach, train, and develop employees and Leads to build an engaged, high-performing team.
• Track, measure, and report on operations to drive data-based decisions and enforce performance standards.
• Identify staffing needs, manage hiring, and oversee employee transitions to support growth.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Skills

Warehouse management

Leadership

Change management

Lean Six Sigma

Dispatch systems

Office software

Communication

Problem-solving

Tools

Dispatch systems

Office software

Job description

Distribution Center Operations Manager - Rockford, IL

Rugby Architectural Building Products is a wholesale distributor of specialty building products, operating out of 26 branches throughout the United States. Our primary business is non-structural architectural grade building products sold principally to customers who create and produce end-products for the commercial, industrial, retail, residential and institutional markets. (In New Century, KS, Lebanon, TN, and Rockford, IL - we do business as: Olathe Millwork, Warren Brothers, River City Millwork respectfully.)

Position: We are growing and seeking Operations Manager.

As an Operations Manager, you will lead the warehouse and logistics teams to ensure safe, efficient, accurate, and timely operations across a 100,000-square-foot warehouse with approximately $2 million in inventory and a team of 10 warehouse and driver employees. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires active involvement in daily operations and the ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment. You will coach and develop team members, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and foster a positive, safety-focused culture. Working closely with the Door Shop Manager and Branch Manager, you will identify and implement operational improvements that support the branch’s long-term growth and success.

What’s in It for You:

• Pay: $95,000 - 105,000/yr. dependent on experience
• Shift Times: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Competitive Medical - Dental - Vision
• Corporate Wellness & Longevity Programs
• 401(k) Traditional & Roth with Match
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Should You Apply?

• Minimum 5-7 years' experience with management, warehouse operations, and logistics.
• Ability to strategically plan and execute on company directives.
• Proficient with basic change management experience (Lean Management Principles a plus).
• Ability to manage multiple shift warehouse operations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in dispatch systems and office software.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to exceptional service.

Your Day-to-Day:

to excel in this role, you will need to...

• Lead warehouse, delivery, and inventory operations to ensure a safe, organized, highly accurate, and efficient environment.
• Drive cultural transformation using structured change management to build accountability, trust, and team buy-in across your department.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to streamline workflows and continuously improve productivity.
• Manage long-term, large-scale operational projects from initial planning through full implementation.
• Partner with the management team to align and execute overall operational strategy.
• Coach, train, and develop employees and Leads to build an engaged, high-performing team.
• Track, measure, and report on operations to drive data-based decisions and enforce performance standards.
• Identify staffing needs, manage hiring, and oversee employee transitions to support growth.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position is considered a safety-sensitive role due to the operation of machinery, power tools, material handling equipment, and the handling of building materials.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of:

• A background check conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws

Background check results will be evaluated on an individual basis and in relation to the responsibilities of the position, consistent with applicable law.

At Rugby, our goal is to lead the industry! We will accomplish this goal by creating an environment where each team member is challenged to achieve their personal best using their talent, together building a community based on our values of Fairness, Commitment to Excellence, and maintaining Rugby as a Performance Meritocracy.

manufacturing, machine operator, assembly, machinist, assembler, production, warehouse, carpentry, carpenter, wood working, woodworking, lumber yard; logistics; logistics coordination