Director of Operations – South Region

Job Overview: Lead and direct Warehousing in executing mission, goal setting, planning, and execution of strategic warehousing initiatives.

Develop people, policies, procedures, and training to ensure efficient and effective warehouse operations and significant P&L contributions across UNFI business units.

Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Strategic Planning: Supports the strategic direction, expectations, short and long-term objectives for warehouse operations across the UNFI enterprise.

Demonstrates foresight and vision in identifying opportunities for expansion and improvement of scalable fulfillment operations.

Develops plans that provide for adequate, cost-effective capacity to support company growth.

Stays informed of trends and changes in related fields and continues to engage new trends and technologies.

Departmental Oversite and Planning: Directs the proper selection, purchase, and utilization of Company assets in support of warehouse operations.

Ensures National Warehouse functions are well coordinated with related departments especially Region operations staff, and provides assistance as required.

Provides leadership through effective objective setting, delegation, and communication.

Directs, schedules, and coordinates National Warehouse Department functions.

Assumes responsibility for ensuring professional business relationships are established and maintained with customers, vendors, the business community, and trade organizations.

Exhibits a commitment to excellence and to superior customer service – both external and internal – in every aspect of the warehousing function.

Process Improvement: Strengthens associate safety and food safety policies, best practices, and regulatory compliance.

Executes on goals and ensures corporate-wide plans are complemented and supported including labor standards, methods, compensation and incentives, and legal compliance.

Conducts periodic reviews of existing systems, technologies, products and procedures.

Provides recommendations regarding improvements in service delivery, processes, methods, standards and equipment needs which will further the Companys objectives.

Develops warehouse operations system improvements by analyzing process work flow, manning and space requirements, and equipment layout; implementing changes.

Suggests efficiency ideas, cost reduction measures, and assists with the implementation of changes within inbound and outbound warehouse operations.

Identifies problems, proposes solutions to other members of management, and promotes cooperation with other departments.

DC Support and Performance Management: Reports and analyzes the results of warehouse operations on a regular periodic basis to senior management and recommends corrective action to improve future results.

Evaluates operational effectiveness through analyses of Distribution Center activity, on-site inspections, reporting, and other measurable criteria.

Provides active support to improve performance where needed.

Works with warehouse leadership to analyze trends, implement new technologies, and drive overall performance to maximize customer satisfaction, reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and implement corrective actions to resolve any issues.

Regulatory and Compliance: Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Ensures the security and safety of Company property, equipment, and personnel.

Ensures the Companys professional reputation is maintained throughout the organization and the community.

Perform duties in accordance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies and procedures, as appropriate for location.

Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

10 years of operations leadership experience with continuous advancement and increasing responsibilities preferably in wholesale food distribution.

Knowledge of general warehouse best practices to include Work Methods & Observations, P&L Definitions and Forecasting, Productivity Management and Reporting, Sanitation and Food Safety, Crewing Models and Scheduling, Slotting Best Practices, Dock Methods Inbound and Outbound, Replenishment Methods, IC Daily Best Practices, and Returns Processing.

Knowledge of systems, WM, Voice, Automation, Roadnet, PeopleNet, Labor Management and incentive planning, accounting, IT, human resources, purchasing, facilities, fleet, security, and quality control procedures and programs.

Understanding of related legal and regulatory requirements.

Proficient computer skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and BI software platforms.

Ability to travel 75% to UNFI DC’s.

Demonstrated project management skills and successful implementation of complex initiatives.

Proven ability to effectively manage accountability and measures to hold self and others accountable for performance results.

Ability to leverage thought diversity to identify and execute innovative ideas to improve the business.