Distribution Operations Manager - Howard City

Wolverine Distribution Inc (United States); Howard City (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is seeking a Distribution Operations Manager to oversee all facets of a distribution facility, including receiving, storage, order fulfillment, returns and shipping.

You will drive SOPs, safety, and regulatory compliance while guiding a high-performing, inclusive team across shifts. The role emphasizes strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration with senior DC leadership, and continuous improvement through data-driven analysis and technology adoption to

Qualifications

• College degree in supply chain management or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 8+ years in distribution, logistics, or supply chain operations with team supervision.
• 3+ years in a management role overseeing direct or indirect reports.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end distribution operations: receiving, storage, order fulfillment, returns and shipping.
• Develop SOPs to ensure consistency, quality and regulatory compliance across the facility.
• Partner with DC leadership to align operations with enterprise strategy and capacity planning.
• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives using data-driven problem solving.
• Sponsor safety programs, audits, and compliance with OSHA and DOT requirements.
• Mentor and develop supervisors and associates, fostering inclusion and accountability.
• Manage operating budget and monitor labor, equipment, and expenses.
• Communicate with stakeholders and represent the DC in leadership forums.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Data-driven analysis

Continuous improvement

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain

8+ years distribution experience

3+ years management experience

Job description

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) is a global footwear and apparel company driven by a vision to Make. Every Day. Better. Founded in 1883, the Company builds and grows iconic brands including Merrell®, Saucony®, Wolverine®, Sweaty Betty®, Chaco®, Hush Puppies®, Stride Rite®, HYTEST®, and Bates®, along with footwear licenses for Cat® and Harley-Davidson®. Headquartered in Rockford, Michigan, the Company's products are sold in approximately 170 countries and territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.wolverineworldwide.com. In 2025, the Company was recognized by Footwear News as Company of the Year, by Forbes as one of America's Dream Employers, America's Best Employers for Women, and America's Best Employers for Company Culture, and by Inspiring Workplaces as one of the Most Inspiring Workplaces Globally. Wolverine Worldwide is a Certified™ Great Place To Work®.

The Distribution Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations within a distribution facility, including managing employees, subordinate supervisors, and coordinating across functional areas (both internal and external). This role requires deep operational expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership capabilities. The manager ensures the tactical execution of daily tasks, contributes to strategic planning, drives continuous improvement, and fosters a high-performing and inclusive team culture. The role is critical to achieving service excellence, operational efficiency, and compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Primary Duties

Operational Leadership

Direct and oversee end-to-end distribution operations - including receiving, storage, order fulfillment, returns, and shipping - by implementing and continuously improving standard operating procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Strategic Contribution

Partners with senior distribution center leadership to align operational objectives with enterprise strategy by developing systems, tools, and performance dashboards; leading strategic planning and reporting; and supporting long-range initiatives, including capacity planning, technology adoption, and business continuity and risk mitigation.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Leads cross-functional continuous improvement and operational innovation initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and improve service levels by applying data-driven analysis and collaborative problem-solving, while driving efficiency and cost-reduction opportunities and researching, piloting, and implementing new technologies, automation, and digital solutions to modernize distribution operations.

Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors, leads, and associates by providing clear direction, performance feedback, coaching, and development opportunities, while fostering an inclusive, safety-focused, and high-engagement culture that promotes accountability and continuous learning.

Budget, Compliance, and Safety

Develop and manage the operating budget by monitoring labor, equipment, operational expenses, and capital investments to ensure fiscal discipline, cost control, and alignment with business objectives and financial targets. Lead safety and compliance programs by ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements (including OSHA and DOT), driving safety culture initiatives, overseeing audits and inspections, implementing corrective actions, and maintaining accurate compliance and safety documentation.

Inventory & Quality Assurance

Oversee inventory accuracy and quality by managing counts and audits, addressing discrepancies and damages, and supporting continuous improvement efforts to maintain accurate inventory and efficient product flow.

Decision-Making & Communication

Exercise independent, high-level decision-making to resolve complex operational issues, manage critical situations, and drive results, while facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to ensure alignment and effective execution of shared objectives. Communicate with clarity and influence across all organizational levels and external stakeholders, building strong relationships and representing the distribution center in leadership forums, project teams, and external engagements to support operational success and continuous improvement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

College degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience in warehouse or distribution operations may be considered. 8+ years of experience in distribution, logistics, or supply chain operations, with direct responsibility for team supervision and daily execution. 3+ years of management experience with direct reports and/or indirect leading of teams/mentoring, and coaching experience required.

Preferred

Certifications such as Forklift Operation, or Lean Six Sigma to support compliance and continuous improvement.

Strategic Communication

Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and strategically with associates, peers, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners to align operational priorities, safety expectations, performance standards, and policy changes across multiple shifts or functional areas.

Operational Management & Oversight

Proven ability to lead and optimize multi-shift or multi-department operations by establishing performance expectations, driving process improvements, analyzing operational metrics, managing labor and capital resources, and ensuring execution of operational initiatives to meet volume, service, cost, and safety objectives.

People Leadership & Talent Development

Strong capability to lead, develop, and hold accountable front-line leaders and teams by setting goals, prioritizing work, evaluating performance, fostering an inclusive and performance-driven culture, and overseeing hiring, onboarding, coaching, succession planning, and leadership development.

Employee Relations & Conflict Management

Ability to proactively address and resolve employee performance, engagement, and workplace issues through consistent application of policies, sound judgment, and partnership with HR, while appropriately escalating complex or sensitive matters and promoting a respectful, compliant, and inclusive workplace.

Working Conditions

Distribution center environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value the differences in one another and believe our differences make us stronger. Our diverse and inclusive corporate culture starts with the recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create equal opportunities for our associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic. Wolverine Worldwide is a global marketer of branded footwear, apparel, and accessories. With an established global footprint that spans approximately 200 countries and territories, as well as a rock-solid infrastructure, Wolverine Worldwide is dedicated to advancing the following brands that comprise the ever-expanding portfolio: Bates, Chaco, Cat Footwear, Harley Davidson Footwear, Hush Puppies, Merrell, Saucony, Sweaty Betty and Wolverine. Wolverine Worldwide's continued success is driven by our ability to stay true to our simple mission: we empower, engage and inspire our consumers - every step of the way.