Logistics Distribution Operation Manager

Kuehne Nagel; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel in Memphis seeks a Senior Operations Manager to support the Site GM with GXP compliance, regulatory submissions, training, and KPI monitoring. Flexibility to cover multiple shifts, including some nights and weekends, is required in a Pharma/Cold Chain environment.

Lead teams of 50+ staff, optimize warehousing operations, and liaise with customers to align requirements with capabilities while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Contract Logistics, 3PL, Distribution Center, Pharma, or Cold Chain warehouse operations.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse or distribution center environment, including managing teams of 50+ employees.
• 5+ years of experience managing customer relationships and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Proven experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical device, or other regulated environments, with knowledge of GxP, ISO, Lean, Six Sigma, and quality systems.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, including WMS systems, material handling equipment (MHE), inventory management, and automated warehouse environments.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure, and support various shifts as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and support to managers, supervisors, and warehouse associates to ensure operational excellence.
• Manage employee staffing, labor planning, work schedules, and attendance through UKG Workforce Management.
• Develop, validate, and oversee associate training programs in accordance with SOPs, including conducting observations and coaching as needed.
• Monitor, analyze, and report operational KPIs through monthly dashboard reviews, while leading Business Review Meetings (BRMs) and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with customers and stakeholders.
• Identify and implement process improvements and cost-saving initiatives through data analysis, problem-solving, and continuous improvement activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between customers and Kuehne+Nagel, building strong relationships and aligning customer requirements with operational capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, FDA regulations, and pharmaceutical/healthcare quality requirements while supporting customer satisfaction and business growth.

Skills

Leadership

Contract Logistics

Customer Relationships

GxP & ISO

WMS & MHE

Analytics & Excel

Communication

Shift Flexibility

Job description

It's more than a job

As part of the Contract Logistics team at Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in designing, managing, and optimizing solutions that keep goods moving efficiently. Whether you’re leading a team, engineering processes, or driving projects, your work ensures that our customers’ products are stored, handled, and delivered with precision. From everyday essentials to seasonal items, what we do in Contract Logistics impacts businesses and communities around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, your contribution goes far beyond the warehouse—it helps shape the flow of global trade.

The Sr. Operations Manager will support the Site GM with ongoing GXP regulatory compliance activities including regulatory submissions, branch assistance, license acquisition and maintenance, training and database management. The normal operating hours are M-F 8A- 5P. However, we are looking for a leader who is flexible and can manage multiple shifts. This may involve working some nights and weekends. The Leader must have experience in a Pharma/Cold Chain environment. This position reports to the General Manager.

How you create impact

• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and support to managers, supervisors, and warehouse associates to ensure operational excellence.
• Manage employee staffing, labor planning, work schedules, and attendance through UKG Workforce Management.
• Develop, validate, and oversee associate training programs in accordance with SOPs, including conducting observations and coaching as needed.
• Monitor, analyze, and report operational KPIs through monthly dashboard reviews, while leading Business Review Meetings (BRMs) and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with customers and stakeholders.
• Identify and implement process improvements and cost-saving initiatives through data analysis, problem-solving, and continuous improvement activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between customers and Kuehne+Nagel, building strong relationships and aligning customer requirements with operational capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, FDA regulations, and pharmaceutical/healthcare quality requirements while supporting customer satisfaction and business growth.

What we would like you to bring

• 5+ years of experience in Contract Logistics, 3PL, Distribution Center, Pharma, or Cold Chain warehouse operations.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse or distribution center environment, including managing teams of 50+ employees.
• 5+ years of experience managing customer relationships and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Proven experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical device, or other regulated environments, with knowledge of GxP, ISO, Lean, Six Sigma, and quality systems.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, including WMS systems, material handling equipment (MHE), inventory management, and automated warehouse environments.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure, and support various shifts as business needs require.

What's in it for you

There has never been a better time to work in logistics. Bring your skills to an industry that offers stability and international career growth. We offer great compensation and medical/dental benefits packages, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, excellent training programs, and a fun, and interesting global work environment. #LI-onsite

Kuehne+Nagel participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

Individuals with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process may contact us by sending an email to kn.taaccommodations.com

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support portions of the recruitment process, such as reviewing application materials or assisting with scheduling. These tools analyze information to help inform decision making; however, all hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

Kuehne + Nagel is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you require an accommodation for any part of the online application process due to a disability, please contact the Employee Services HR Help Desk at 1-800-267-1326 during the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm EST; Monday through Friday or via e-mail at: [e-mail] with the nature of your request. We will answer your inquiry within 24 hours.