Lead, Operations Systems

KeHE Distributors; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Rx

Vision

Dental

FSA/HSA

Life insurance

401(k)

PTO

Sick time

STD/LTD

ESOP

Holiday pay

Job summary

KeHE Distributors, an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, is seeking an Operations Systems Lead in Naperville, IL. You will lead the implementation, optimization, and integration of WMS and OMS solutions to improve warehouse performance and service levels.

This role requires strong project leadership, business process knowledge, and cross‑functional collaboration with operations, IT, and vendors to drive continuous improvement across a complex

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain or related field.
• 5+ years with WMS in distribution/logistics.
• Experience with full-cycle WMS implementations.
• Experience with cross-functional teams and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for Warehouse Management capabilities.
• Lead functional workstreams for system implementations and upgrades.
• Configure and support system functionality; assist in SIT/UAT testing.
• Provide go-live, post-implementation, and stabilization support.
• Coordinate root cause analysis with IT, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain requirements, process maps, SOPs, and training materials.
• Promote standardized processes across the distribution network.

Skills

Warehouse operations

WMS knowledge

Analytical skills

Requirements gathering

Project management

Training skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Tools

Manhattan Associates

Blue Yonder

Oracle WMS

Job description

• Pay Range: $87,000.00/Yr. - $127,490.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: , Shift Time:
• Benefits on Day 1
• Health/Rx
• Vision
• Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
• Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
• Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Why Work for KeHE?

• Full-time
• Pay Range: $87,000.00/Yr. - $127,490.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: , Shift Time:
• Benefits on Day 1
• Health/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
• Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
• Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Overview

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others - and it all starts with you. As an employee‑owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Primary Responsibilities

POSITION PURPOSE

The Operations Systems Lead supports the implementation, optimization, and integration of Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Order Management System (OMS) solutions across distribution operations. This role serves as a functional subject matter expert, partnering closely with operations, IT, and third‑party vendors to improve warehouse performance, inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and customer service. The position requires strong project leadership, business process knowledge, analytical thinking, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives within a complex supply chain environment. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Essential Functions

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as functional subject matter expert for assigned Warehouse Management capabilities, including Receiving, Putaway, Replenishment, Inventory Control, Picking, Packing, Shipping, and Labor Management.
• Partner with DC leadership and operations teams to understand business challenges and identify system‑based solutions and process optimization opportunities.
• Lead functional workstreams through system implementations, upgrades, enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives, and monitor milestones to ensure deliverables are completed on schedule.
• Configure and support system functionality, and participate in design, configuration, and testing activities (SIT, UAT, Operational Readiness Testing).
• Provide go‑live, post‑implementation, and stabilization support following system deployments.
• Coordinate root cause analysis and issue/defect resolution with IT, vendors, and business stakeholders to improve efficiency, inventory accuracy, productivity, and service levels.
• Liaise between business users and technical teams to ensure clear communication and successful execution.
• Develop and maintain functional specifications, business requirements, system configuration documentation, process maps, SOPs, and training materials, and support knowledge transfer and end‑user training.
• Promote standardized processes and best practices across the distribution network.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of warehouse operations and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills, including root cause analysis and data interpretation.
• Experience gathering business requirements and developing functional specifications, process maps, and SOPs.
• Familiarity with system testing methodologies (SIT, UAT, Operational Readiness Testing) and implementation lifecycle support.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support system implementation projects, including milestone and deliverable tracking.
• Effective communication, training/facilitation, and collaboration skills across cross‑functional and technical/business teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement and process standardization.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Information Systems, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience supporting Warehouse Management Systems in a distribution, logistics, or supply chain environment, with demonstrated functional expertise across core WMS capabilities (e.g., Receiving, Putaway, Replenishment, Inventory Control, Picking, Packing, Shipping, Labor Management).
• Experience participating in at least one full‑cycle WMS implementation, upgrade, or major enhancement project, including system testing phases (SIT, UAT, Operational Readiness Testing) and go‑live/stabilization support.
• Experience supporting root cause analysis and issue resolution in a warehouse or distribution environment.
• Experience developing training materials and supporting end‑user training or knowledge transfer.
• Experience with Manhattan Associates, Blue Yonder, Oracle WMS, or similar warehouse management platforms preferred.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams, including operations, IT, and third‑party vendors, on system‑related projects.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires the ability to work in both office and distribution center environments, including extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer use. Travel to distribution centers and company locations will be required, along with the ability to navigate warehouse environments safely.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.