Distribution Operations Leader

Phillips Pet; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Phillips Pet in Milwaukee is seeking an experienced Operations Shift Manager to lead daily distribution center operations for pet foods and accessories. You’ll drive safety, efficiency, and on-time performance while coaching a diverse team on the floor.

You’ll own end-to-end processes from receiving to direct-to-consumer shipments, manage P&L considerations, and collaborate with HR, Finance, and warehouse leaders to hit site goals. This role rewards hands-on leadership and problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in distribution and transportation management.
• 7+ years of progressive distribution operations leadership in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Experience overseeing fulfillment, delivery, safety, inventory control, and employee development.

Responsibilities

• Lead all distribution center activities including receiving, warehousing, shipping, delivery, and direct-to-consumer operations.
• Ensure operations are executed accurately, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
• Maintain full P&L expense responsibility and meet all established KPIs.
• Manage exempt and non-exempt administrative, warehouse, and delivery employees; hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and discipline.
• Deliver strong onboarding and 30-60-90 day reviews, ongoing coaching, and annual evaluations.
• Review and approve timekeeping, incentives, attendance tracking, and performance documentation.
• Partner closely with HR on employee relations matters including safety incidents, compliance issues, and employee concerns.
• Create a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement across all functions.
• Lead by example with a visible, hands-on leadership style.
• Analyze operations, identify root causes, and implement solutions that improve safety, service, cost, and efficiency.
• Lead implementation of new processes, systems, tools, and training programs.
• Partner cross-functionally to improve service levels, retention, and operational performance.
• Develop and execute long-term operational plans to support growth while maintaining efficiency and leadership continuity.
• Partner with Warehouse Managers, Supervisors, Transportation, Finance, and other departments to meet site and company goals.
• Take ownership of key projects and mobilize teams to deliver results.
• Partner with Finance to develop budgets and cost-control strategies.
• Achieve monthly and annual budget targets.
• Track and meet KPIs including fill rate, on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, retention, and turnover.
• Maintain effective inventory control across Central Pet, Hill’s, and Direct-to-Consumer product lines.
• Meet all Direct-to-Consumer SLAs and customer requirements.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, AIB, GDPs, and all applicable regulations.
• Maintain quality systems, inventory audits, cycle counts, physical inventories, and mock recoveries when required.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the facility.
• Lead the site Safety Committee, quarterly meetings, and facility inspections.
• Ensure safety of employees, vendors, and visitors.
• Negotiate and manage vendor and freight carrier relationships.
• Oversee facility maintenance, material handling equipment, and vehicle fleet.
• Recommend and support capital improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Problem-solving

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in distribution and transportation management

Tools

WMS

RF technology

Excel

MS Office

Job description

Phillips Pet in Milwaukee is seeking an experienced Operations Shift Manager to lead daily distribution center operations for pet foods and accessories. You’ll drive safety, efficiency, and on-time performance while coaching a diverse team on the floor.

You’ll own end-to-end processes from receiving to direct-to-consumer shipments, manage P&L considerations, and collaborate with HR, Finance, and warehouse leaders to hit site goals. This role rewards hands-on leadership and problem solving.