Distribution Operations Manager - Rockford, IL

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with match

PTO & holidays

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Team environment

Job summary

Rugby Architectural Building Products in Rockford, IL is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the warehouse and logistics teams, driving safety, efficiency, accuracy, and timely operations. You will coach and develop staff while identifying opportunities to improve processes and culture to support branch growth.

You will work closely with the Door Shop Manager and Branch Manager to implement operational improvements and manage multiple shifts, with a focus on Lean principles, data-driven

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in management, warehouse operations, and logistics.
• Lean management knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to lead multiple shift operations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; stays calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead warehouse, delivery, and inventory operations for safety and accuracy.
• Drive change using structured management to build accountability across the department.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma to streamline workflows and improve productivity.
• Manage long-term operational projects from planning to full implementation.
• Coach, train, and develop employees and Leads to build a high-performing team.
• Track, measure, and report on operations to drive data-based decisions.
• Identify staffing needs and oversee hiring.
• Perform other duties as required.
• This role is a safety sensitive position, subject to drug screenings.

Skills

Warehouse leadership

Change management

Multi-shift operations

Communication skills

Dispatch systems

Problem-solving

Service minded

Job description

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 be responsible for the overall success of the warehouse and logistics teams by ensuring safe, efficient, accurate, and timely operations. You will lead, coach, and develop team members while identifying opportunities to improve processes, productivity, service, and department culture. This role will work closely with the Door Shop Manager and Branch Manager to identify, develop, and implement operational improvements that support the long-term growth and success of the branch.

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
• Great TEAM environment.

• 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

• 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.
• This role is a safety sensitive position, subject to routine drug screenings.

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.