Senior Manager, Sorting and Distribution - BookOps

nypl; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

New York Public Library (BookOps) seeks a Senior Manager of Sorting and Distribution to lead daily operations and long-term planning for library logistics across sorting, distribution, mailroom operations, and special projects.

The role partners with senior leadership to develop scalable plans, set clear goals, and implement policies ensuring reliable service across the system, sustaining infrastructure and ReCAP delivery operations.

Qualifications

• Leadership of multi-department teams across sorting, distribution, mailroom operations, and special projects
• Data-driven decision making and logistics best practices
• Ability to develop scalable operational plans and set team goals

Responsibilities

• Provides direct leadership and oversight to key supervisory roles across distribution, delivery operations, mailroom, and fleet-related roles
• Develops clear, measurable goals for each team aligned with library strategy and service excellence
• Oversees daily movement of thousands of items within a 24-hour logistics cycle
• Leads logistics planning and execution for major special projects and campaigns
• Ensures reliable functionality of critical logistics infrastructure like sorters and delivery fleets
• Acts as primary liaison for ReCAP services and coordinates with NYPL research centers
• Directly oversee all ReCAP delivery operations for NYPL research centers
• Performs other related duties as required

Job description

Overview

BookOps is the shared library services collaboration of New York Public Library (NYPL) and Brooklyn Public Library (BPL). BookOps coordinates the selection, acquisition, cataloging, processing, sorting and distribution of library materials for its member libraries.

The Senior Manager of Sorting and Distribution leads the daily operations and strategic planning for BookOps logistics, overseeing multi-departmental teams across sorting, distribution, mailroom operations, and special projects. Working closely with senior leadership and program managers, this role develops scalable operational plans, sets clear team goals, and implements policies to ensure consistent, reliable service across the system. The Senior Manager fosters an engaged, high-performing team environment, leveraging data-driven metrics and logistics best practices to resolve operational challenges, manage resource allocation, and strengthen long-term service resilience. Key responsibilities include sustaining critical infrastructure—such as the automated sorter and delivery fleet—and acting as the primary liaison for ReCAP delivery services and major system-wide initiatives.

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month

• Develop an understanding of the logistics workflow and its connection to the global environment
• Gather data that defines the operation and gain familiarity with the Library’s strategic priorities

3 months

• Establish relationships with their direct reports and meet with the broader teams
• Assess team morale and begin formulating a plan for success
• Set meaningful and achievable goals for the managers

6 months and beyond

• Have a solid understanding of team efficiencies and how they align with the Library’s strategic priorities
• Develop a comprehensive operational plan that supports NYPL’s strategic goals, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and service quality

Responsibilities

• Provides direct leadership and oversight to key supervisory roles, including the Manager of Distribution & Delivery Operations, Daytime Logistics Operations Supervisor, Supervisor of Mailroom and Fleet Maintenance, and the Senior Collection Processing Associate for special projects
• Develops clear, measurable goals for each team that align with departmental objectives and the library’s overarching strategy with a focus on service excellence and operational efficiency
• Oversees the daily movement of over 30,000 items—including high-demand holds, new acquisitions, research materials, mail, and other essential resources—within a 24-hour logistics cycle, ensuring smooth and efficient operations
• Leads logistics planning and execution for major special projects, such as system wide summer reading initiatives and advocacy campaigns
• Ensures optimal functionality and reliability of critical logistics infrastructure, including the automated sorter and delivery fleet, to support consistent and uninterrupted service
• Acts as the primary liaison for ReCAP services, coordinating closely with NYPL research centers to ensure seamless service and effective resource management
• Directly oversee all ReCAP delivery operations for NYPL research centers
• Performs other related duties as required