Manager, Distribution Center

inotivco; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Inotiv is seeking a Distribution Center Manager in Madison, WI to lead all distribution center operations, including receiving, inventory control, order fulfillment, and shipping. You will supervise staff, drive safety, and ensure regulatory compliance across a coast-to-coast network.

You will coordinate shipments, manage warehousing and transportation, and partner with Customer Service, Operations, and Sales to maintain service levels. Strong leadership and DOT/CDL experience are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3+ years of leadership in distribution/warehouse/logistics.
• Experience coaching, scheduling, performance management and employee development.
• Experience with inventory management, warehouse operations and transportation coordination.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid Class B CDL with service delivery experience and good driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOT qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily distribution center operations including receiving, inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping and transportation.
• Supervise, coach and develop distribution center staff with a focus on safety and customer service.
• Coordinate shipments of laboratory animals, Teklad diets, and related products while ensuring regulatory and quality standards.
• Serve as liaison between Customer Service, Operations, Transportation, Sales and other centers to resolve issues.
• Manage coast-to-coast inventory transfers and maintain product availability and service levels.
• Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits and reconciliations.
• Maintain compliance with policies, SOPs, DOT requirements and animal welfare standards.
• Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions and maintain a safe work environment.
• Oversee facility, fleet and equipment maintenance and performance metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Inventory management

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

JDE

SAP

WMS

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

Distribution Center Manager Responsibilities

The Distribution Center Manager is responsible for leading all distribution center operations involving Teklad diets, laboratory animal shipments, and related products. This role oversees warehousing, inventory management, transportation, customer service support, and cross-network coordination with other distribution centers. The Distribution Center Manager provides leadership to employees, ensures regulatory compliance, drives operational efficiency, and maintains exceptional service levels for internal and external customers.

Lead daily distribution center operations, including receiving, inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping, and transportation activities.

Supervise, coach, and develop distribution center staff while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service.

Coordinate shipments of laboratory animals, Teklad diets, and related products while ensuring regulatory and quality standards are maintained.

Serve as a key liaison between Customer Service, Operations, Transportation, Sales, and other distribution centers to resolve issues and support business needs.

Manage coast-to-coast inventory transfers and collaborate with network partners to maintain product availability and service performance.

Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, reconciliation activities, and inventory control practices.

Maintain compliance with company policies, SOPs, DOT requirements, animal welfare standards, and applicable regulatory guidelines.

Investigate incidents, address operational issues, and implement corrective actions to support a safe work environment.

Oversee facility, fleet, and equipment maintenance to ensure operational readiness.

Monitor performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Support budgeting, expense management, and operational planning activities.

Respond to after-hours operational emergencies and customer needs as required.

Provide hands‑on operational support, including warehouse and delivery activities when business conditions require.

Utilize ERP systems (e.g., JDE, SAP) to drive inventory accuracy, streamline workflows, and improve distribution center performance.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required .
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in distribution, warehouse, logistics, transportation, or supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading employees, including coaching, scheduling, performance management, and employee development.
• Experience with inventory management, warehouse operations, and transportation coordination.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Valid driver’s license (minimum class "B" CDL required) with service delivery experience and good driving record required .
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required DOT qualifications .

Preferences

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• Experience managing a complex distribution center or multi‑product distribution operation.
• Experience supporting laboratory animal transportation, animal care operations, animal feed operations, etc.
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations and transportation compliance requirements.
• Experience managing interfacility inventory transfers and national distribution networks.
• Forklift certification and warehouse equipment experience.
• Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control systems.
• Continuous improvement, Lean, or process optimization experience.

Starting pay at $80,100

*This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience. The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person's relevant experience and/or education level.

Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we "Play to Win" in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world‑class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well‑being of people all over the world. There's an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual's unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people's lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen. Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well‑being of people all over the world.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long‑term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, an