Sr Returns Operations Manager

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; Olive Branch (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous discount on Williams‑Sonoma,

401(k) plan and other investment opps

Paid vacations and holidays

Health benefits, dental and vision

Employee Assistance Programs

Job summary

Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. is seeking a Sr Returns Operations Manager in Olive Branch, MS. The role requires leading a high‑volume, on‑site returns operation with accountability for safety, service, quality, cost, and productivity.

You will mentor front‑line leaders, drive continuous improvement, and coordinate with HR for leadership development. The ideal candidate has 5–7+ years of supervisory experience in distribution/logistics, excellent communication skills, and a track record of disciplined

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a complex, high‑volume operation.
• Strong ability to communicate with clarity and influence across levels.
• Operational judgment and the ability to make real‑time decisions.

Responsibilities

• Own shift‑level performance across safety, service, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Maintain high performance standards and ensure first‑shift alignment.
• Make sound, real‑time decisions to keep the operation moving.
• Ensure strong shift handoff discipline and continuity.
• Coach and develop front‑line leaders to build leadership depth.
• Lead continuous improvement to strengthen execution and scalability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Operational judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field

7–9 years of leadership experience in distribution or logistics (in lieu of a degree)

Job description

Williams‑Sonoma, Inc Supply Chain Overview

By managing resources responsibly, caring for our people, and uniting around our values, we lead our industry and are proud to be recognized for our continuous action and progress in the following areas: Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies; Forbes Best Employers for Women and Diversity; Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies; and USA Today Customer Service Champions. These honors reflect that we are truly a people‑first organization.

• Over 4,000 Full‑Time Associates across the Supply Chain
• 14.5M square feet of small parcel, personalization, furniture, and manufacturing space in the domestic US, Williams‑Sonoma has developed an agile and capable distribution network consisting of:
  • Large package / furniture distribution centers located in Southern California, Northern California, Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey totaling 9.2M square feet plus another 1.2M square feet of standalone final‑mile furniture hubs.
• Small package eCommerce distribution centers located in Mississippi and Arizona totaling 3.2M square feet, consisting of over 1,000 full‑time associates and 1,500 seasonal/temporary associates in Mississippi
  • Sutter Street Manufacturing upholstery factories located in North Carolina and Mississippi totaling with over 1,400 full‑time employees producing approximately $900 million to $1 billion in sales of upholstered furniture.
• Transportation Department for Ocean, Air, Trucking, and Rail consisting of over 30 transportation professionals located in Memphis, TN
• 700 associates in our Sourcing offices in 10 countries in Asia and Europe including China, Vietnam, Singapore, India, Italy, and Turkey.

Sr Returns Operations Manager

Location: Olive Branch, MS

We are looking for an Sr Returns Operations Manager who has already led at scale, understands what top‑tier execution looks like, and is motivated to push an already high‑performing facility to the next level. This role is for a leader who combines operational rigor, people leadership, and strategic thinking with the ability to communicate clearly, make sound decisions quickly, and drive consistent execution in a fast‑moving environment.

You’ll be excited about this opportunity because you will:

• Own shift‑level performance across safety, service, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Maintain high performance standards across all functions, ensuring consistency with first‑shift execution.
• Make sound, real‑time decisions to keep the operation moving and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Ensure strong shift handoff discipline, operational continuity, and follow‑through on key priorities.
• Think critically in a fast‑paced environment where priorities, volume, and operational needs can shift quickly.
• Coach and develop front‑line leaders and high‑potential talent to build a strong internal leadership pipeline.
• Set clear direction, reinforce expectations, and align leaders around priorities and execution.
• Drive a culture of accountability, urgency, ownership, and follow‑through across the shift.
• Partner with HR and site leadership on succession planning and leadership development.
• Reinforce a People First environment grounded in respect, clarity, consistency, and performance expectations.
• Monitor performance closely and take immediate action to close gaps in productivity, quality, service, and cost.
• Lead and support continuous improvement efforts that strengthen execution, improve scalability, and remove operational friction.
• Identify root causes, challenge outdated processes, and implement better ways of working.
• Ensure strong inventory accuracy, process discipline, and operational consistency.
• Balance daily execution with longer‑term operational improvements.
• Manage labor, staffing, and workflow to align with volume, service needs, and operational demands.
• Scale the operation up or down quickly based on changing business conditions, seasonal peaks, and shifting priorities.
• Maintain strong command of WMS systems, labor planning, and operational data to guide decision‑making.
• Lead through variability and operational challenges with confidence, discipline, and sound judgment.
• Ensure the operation consistently meets service commitments and quality expectations.
• Build a culture where every shift owns the customer outcome, not just the output.
• Maintain execution standards during both steady‑state operations and peak periods.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, with 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, logistics, or fulfillment operations.
• In lieu of a degree, 7–9 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in distribution or logistics will be considered.
• At least 1–3 years of Reverse Logistics/Returns experience.
• This is an onsite, in‑office role.
• Demonstrated success leading people, process, and performance in a complex, high‑volume operation.
• Strong ability to communicate with clarity, set direction, and influence across multiple levels.
• Proven track record of follow‑up, follow‑through, and execution discipline.
• Demonstrated operational savvy, sound judgment, and the ability to make effective decisions in real time.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Experience leading effectively through seasonal peaks, volume surges, or other demand‑driven operational shifts.

Preferred Qualities

• Experience in high‑volume retail, big box, furniture, or omnichannel distribution environments.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement experience.
• Strong understanding of safety leadership and OSHA standards.
• Experience developing leaders in a multi‑shift operation.
• Exposure to automation, advanced operational systems, or process‑enhancing technology.

Physical Requirements

• Able to bend, reach, squat, climb stairs/ladders, stand, and walk throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Able to move, lift, or carry heavy objects or materials up to 65 pounds.

Benefits

• Generous discount on all Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. brand products.
• 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities.
• Paid vacations, Employee Assistance Programs, Time Off to Volunteer, Matching Gifts Community Service Program, and Holidays (in some locations).
• Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same‑sex domestic partner benefits, Legal and Identity Protection Plans and Pet Insurance.
• For more information on our benefits offers, please visit MyWSIBenefits.com.
• To learn more about our Supply Chain culture and regional associate events, please visit: https://shorturl.at/R3OAX (Login credentials may be required).

EOE

“Equal Opportunity Employer.”

About Williams‑Sonoma Inc.

Since it was founded in 1956, Williams‑Sonoma has grown from Chuck Williams’ single store in Sonoma, CA into one of the largest retailers in the country, with some best known and most beloved brands in home furnishings, including Williams‑Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm. Our Distribution Centers serve as vital connections between factories and our retail, online and mail‑order customers around the world. The Supply Chain environment is dynamic and fast‑paced, and the network is expanding rapidly. If you have a background in distribution, manufacturing, engineering, transportation, finance, human resources or home delivery – and are looking for a job with a strong opportunity for gaining new skills and for advancement – our Supply Chain Organization could be just the place for you.