District Operations Manager

Core-; Lake Bluff (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Core & Main is seeking a District Operations Manager to scale capacity, standardize performance, and strengthen operational discipline across branches within the region. You will own key processes, drive inventory integrity, and execute corporate initiatives, freeing regional leaders to focus on customers and growth.

Ideal candidates have a strong branch operations background, SOP compliance, and experience with ERP systems (D365/Mincron).

Qualifications

• Strong branch operations background with SOP compliance.
• Experience with D365 or comparable ERP systems is an advantage.
• Proven ability to coach others and improve operational health.

Responsibilities

• Own inventory integrity, investigations and follow-through.
• Ensure SOP compliance across warehouse, receiving and branches.
• Lead cycle counts, returns, receiving discipline and accuracy.

Skills

Operational discipline

Process improvement

Team leadership

D365 experience

Mincron experience

Tools

D365

Mincron

Job description

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.Position SummaryThe District Operations Manager (ROM) is a key operational leader responsible for scaling capacity, driving consistency, and strengthening operational discipline across all branches within the region. This role enhances the effectiveness of the Regional Director (RD) and District Managers (DMs) by owning critical operational processes, improving inventory integrity, and ensuring field execution of corporate initiatives. The DOM ensures every branch operates with excellence, adheres to SOPs, and maintains strong operational health — enabling DMs to spend more time with customers, talent, and growth activities.Purpose of the RoleThe DOM exists to:Increase operational capacity across the regionImprove and standardize operational performanceEnsure strong inventory control and audit readinessDrive adherence to SOPs, D365 processes, and operational best practicesSupport execution of national and regional initiativesFree the RD and DMs from tactical operational work so they can focus on strategy, customer relationships, and talent developmentThis role is designed to be a force multiplier — not a firefighter.Key ResponsibilitiesCore Operational Ownership (Primary Responsibilities)The DOM fully owns and leads:Inventory integrity, investigations, and follow-throughSOP compliance across warehouse, receiving, and branch operationsCycle counts, returns processes, receiving discipline, and operational accuracyBranch audit preparation, execution, scoring, and corrective action plansD365 process compliance and troubleshooting of operational workflowsWarehouse flow, safety standards, and operational efficiencyReadiness and field execution for corporate and regional initiativesRegional operational scorecard management and reportingPartnership Responsibilities (Supports, but does not own)Collaboration with DMs on operational components of sales enablementBranch Manager coaching around operational excellenceSupporting training programs in coordination with the RD and corporate opsHelping DMs identify opportunities to improve branch efficiency and consistencyResponsibilities the DOM Does Not OwnTo maintain clarity of scope and avoid dilution of mission, the DOM does not own:Sales performance or sales strategyPersonnel decisions or hiring/firingCustomer escalations unrelated to operational executionHR matters or employee relationsFinal decision-making authority on branch leadership issuesThis clarity ensures the ROM strengthens the region rather than becoming a catch-all resource.Operating RhythmWeeklyPlanned branch visits with clear objectivesFollow-up on outstanding operational and system itemsReview inventory, returns, cycle count, and receiving scorecardsAlignment check with DMs to synchronize prioritiesMonthlyFull operational audit or mini-audit cadenceSOP refreshers and targeted up-trainingReadiness checks for all upcoming initiatives1:1 development session with the RDQuarterlyRegional “Operational Health” scoring for each branchAlignment and reset session with RD and DMsExecution review against national initiativesA disciplined rhythm ensures regional operational excellence and prevents fire-drill workpatterns.Profile of an Ideal CandidateKey TraitsHighly disciplined operator with a deep respect for processCredible, respected, and trusted in the fieldCalm under pressure with strong situational judgmentStrong pattern recognition — able to see root causes, not just symptomsCoachable and able to coach othersNaturally structured and organizedComfortable holding others accountableTeaching and instruction excellenceExperienceStrong branch operations background (warehouse, receiving, inventory, audits)Demonstrated history of SOP compliance and operational consistencyPrior leadership experience in operations-heavy environments preferredExperience with D365 or comparable ERP systems is an advantageMincron and D365 experienceThis is a specialist role — not a “mini-RD.”Reporting & IntegrationReports directly to the Regional DirectorWorks in close partnership with District Managers and Branch ManagersMust be publicly supported and positioned clearly in the chain: RVP RD DM DOMDOM does not direct or override District Managers; they operatethrough the RD.Empowered to enforce operational standards consistently across the regionIntegration expectations:DOM is not sent into branches without contextDOM is not used as a hammerMessaging is aligned with RD before visitsDMs understand the DOM increases their capacity — not their oversightSuccess MeasuresSuccess in the ROM role is reflected through:Improved inventory accuracy and audit scoresIncreased SOP and D365 compliance across branchesMore consistent operational performance across the regionStronger execution of initiatives with fewer delays and re-workReduced operational issues requiring RD or DM involvementHigher overall “Operational Health” scoresThe DOM enables the region to run with discipline, consistency, and operational excellence.$97,172.13 - $138,817.33 per yearCore & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.For more information, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov