Logistics Distribution Operation Manager

Kuehne Nagel; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel is seeking a Senior Operations Manager for its Contract Logistics team in the United States. You will support the Site General Manager with GXP regulatory compliance, regulatory submissions, license maintenance, and training management, while coordinating multiple shifts including nights and weekends.

You will lead day-to-day supervision of managers and warehouse staff, manage staffing and attendance using UKG, and drive KPI reviews, BRMs, and QBRs with customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Contract Logistics, 3PL, Pharma, or Cold Chain operations.
• 5+ years of leadership in a high-volume warehouse environment with 50+ employees.
• 5+ years of experience managing customer relationships and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Proven experience in pharmaceutical/healthcare/regulatory environments with knowledge of GxP, ISO, Lean, Six Sigma, and quality systems.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, WMS, MHE, inventory management, and automated environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and support to managers, supervisors, and warehouse staff to ensure operational excellence.
• Manage staffing, labor planning, work schedules, and attendance through UKG Workforce Management.
• Develop, validate, and oversee associate training programs in accordance with SOPs, including coaching as needed.
• Monitor, analyze, and report operational KPIs through monthly dashboard reviews, and lead BRMs/QBRs with customers.
• Identify and implement process improvements and cost-saving initiatives through data analysis and continuous improvement activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between customers and Kuehne+Nagel, aligning customer requirements with operational capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, FDA regulations, and pharma/healthcare quality requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Pharma/Cold Chain

GxP/ISO/Lean/Six Sigma

WMS knowledge

Advanced Excel

Customer relationships

Regulatory compliance

Tools

UKG Workforce Management

Microsoft Excel

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.

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.

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.

We kindly advise that placement agencies refrain from submitting unsolicited profiles. Any submissions of candidates without prior signed agreement will be considered our property and no fees will be paid.

Kuehne+Nagel is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws that prohibit workplace discrimination and unlawful retaliation. Kuehne+Nagel strictly prohibits all discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religious creed or belief, physical or mental disability, marital or familial status, legally protected medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sexual orientation, citizenship status, protected activity (such as opposition to or reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment. Kuehne+Nagel will also make reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and employees, including accommodations for pregnancy and childbirth, and for the sincerely held religious beliefs of applicants and employees depending upon individual circumstances unless such accommodation would create an undue hardship on Kuehne+Nagel.