Operations Manager

Simon & Schuster; Jackson (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

PTO

Job summary

Simon & Schuster US is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day distribution center operations for a major book publisher. You will lead frontline supervisors and staff, drive continuous improvement, and ensure service levels to customers and retailers, especially during peak publishing seasons.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, 5+ years in distribution/warehouse operations with at least 2 years in management, and proficiency with WMS and reporting tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in distribution center or warehouse operations.
• 2+ years in a management role.
• Experience with high-volume fulfillment operations (publishing/media/consumer products).
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Proficiency with WMS and operational reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily warehouse and fulfillment operations including inbound receiving, put-away, inventory control, order fulfillment, shipping and returns processing.
• Ensure readiness to support new title releases, seasonal surges, and promotional campaigns.
• Monitor productivity, throughput and accuracy to meet SLAs.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly staff in a fast-paced distribution environment.
• Oversee staffing plans, scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Team Building

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management

Tools

WMS

Job description

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day distribution center operations for a book publishing organization. This role ensures the efficient, accurate, and cost-effective receipt, storage, picking, packing, and shipment of finished books and related products. The Operations Manager leads frontline supervisors and staff, drives continuous improvement, and ensures service level commitments to customers, retailers, and internal stakeholders are met—especially during peak publishing seasons.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Manage daily warehouse and fulfillment operations, including inbound receiving, put-away, inventory control, order fulfillment, shipping, and returns processing
• Ensure operational readiness to support new title releases, seasonal surges, and promotional campaigns
• Monitor productivity, throughput, and accuracy to meet service level agreements (SLAs)

People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly staff in a fast-paced distribution environment
• Oversee staffing plans, scheduling, training, and performance management
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and control costs
• Leverage Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies where applicable
• Partner with IT and Supply Chain teams to optimize warehouse management systems (WMS) and reporting tools

Inventory & Quality Control

• Ensure accurate inventory management, cycle counts, and reconciliation
• Minimize shrink, damages, and mis-shipments
• Maintain high standards for order accuracy and product quality

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, and labor standards
• Lead safety initiatives and training to maintain a safe working environment
• Support audits and ensure adherence to internal controls

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Publishing Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Transportation teams to resolve issues and improve service
• Communicate operational performance, risks, and improvement plans to leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in distribution center or warehouse operations, with at least 2 years in a management role
• Experience managing high-volume fulfillment operations, preferably in publishing, media, or consumer products
• Strong people leadership and team-building skills
• Proficiency with warehouse management systems (WMS) and operational reporting
• Ability to work flexible hours, including peak seasons, evenings, or weekends as needed
• Experience in returns-heavy distribution environments
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action

Key Competencies

• Operational excellence and execution focus
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Change management and adaptability
• Results-driven mindset with attention to detail

Work Schedule - 1 shift: 7:30 – 4:00 PM

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression), age, citizenship status, marital status, and Veteran status where protected by law or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Unrelated emails, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice (https://www.simonandschuster.com/p/workplace-privacy-notice) , and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.

Job Details

Job Family Warehouse Operations

Job Function Operations

Pay Type Salary

Employment Indicator Regular

Hiring Min Rate 90,000 USD

Hiring Max Rate 100,000 USD