General Manager - Operations

Cold Storage Careers; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead a temperature-controlled warehouse facility in Joliet, IL. This role involves overseeing daily operations, driving customer satisfaction, and ensuring operational efficiency across all departments. The ideal candidate should have 7–10 years of leadership experience in cold storage or logistics, strong financial acumen, and the ability to develop high-performing teams. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in WMS and Microsoft Office are essential.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of leadership experience in cold storage, warehouse, logistics, or distribution operations.
• Experience with import/export planning and execution.
• Proven ability to manage customer service and warehouse teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations at the temperature-controlled warehouse facility.
• Drive customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Develop and lead transportation strategy, including import/export planning.

Skills

Leadership

Customer relationship management

Financial acumen

Process improvement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on General Manager to lead our temperature‑controlled warehouse facility in Joliet, IL. This leader will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, driving customer satisfaction, and ensuring operational efficiency across all departments.

The General Manager plays a critical role in building high-performing teams, strengthening customer partnerships, and delivering consistent service excellence in a fast‑paced cold storage environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Report directly to the Regional Vice President of Operations
• Oversee Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) and the Customer Service Department
• Drive succession planning and leadership development for key personnel
• Develop and lead transportation strategy, including import/export planning and execution
• Guide and coach direct reports to maintain high morale, improve process efficiency, and build organizational capability
• Lead continuous service level improvements and transportation network optimization initiatives
• Work cross-functionally to minimize service disruptions and ensure smooth network flow
• Promote effective and efficient labor practices across all departments

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related field preferred
• 7–10+ years of leadership experience in cold storage, warehouse, logistics, or distribution operations
• Experience with import/export planning and execution
• Experience managing customer service and warehouse teams in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience working with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting expertise
• Operational leadership and team development
• Customer relationship management
• Knowledge of temperature‑controlled storage operations
• Vendor management and contract negotiation
• Process improvement and labor optimization
• Excellent communication and decision‑making skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)