Director of Distribution

SUMMARY:

The Director of Distribution is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the Grocery Distribution Centre, ensuring the achievement of safety, quality, service, productivity, and financial objectives. In addition to managing operational performance, the Director will lead and inspire a diverse team, promoting collaboration, a positive work environment, and employee engagement to ensure that both operational and cultural goals are met.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operations Management
  - Leads all aspects of operations, including health & safety, planning, labour relations, and inventory management.
  - Oversees all operational aspects of the facility to manage and improve the timely flow of goods in and out of the distribution centre to meet store expectations.
  - Responsible for successful execution of key performance indicators (KPI's), managing operating cost performance and implementing actions to correct deviations from plan.
  - Collaborates with various departments to develop and implement operational improvements to deliver year over year KPI improvements.
  - Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of building and other assets to required standards.
  - Ensures sound inventory management practices are maintained (e.g. inventory accuracy, minimizes product damages/spoilage, ensures product rotation, etc.).
  - Collaborates with Maintenance to ensure facility and equipment maintenance meets required standards.
  - Leads initiatives to improve the corporate responsibility of their Distribution Centre.
  - Shares and adopts best practices with other Distribution Directors to support the overall performance of the Distribution Network.

Leadership Activities
- Responsible for leading Operation spanning multiple shifts in a 24/7 operating facility.
- Builds the best team by selecting and developing the best candidates for the Operations team from internal and external candidates.
- Leads the development and continuous improvement of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs).
- Sets and enforces work performance and operating standards for all employees and management and provides training and development to maximize productivity and enhance proficiency.
- Promotes a strong sense of teamwork and a culture of respect by working together safely, effectively, and efficiently with all employees to maintain a productive and participatory environment.
- Responsible for planning and forecasting staff requirements, conduct regular one on one meetings with direct reports and effectively managing performance, and assists in grievance resolution in conjunction with Labour Relations and in accordance to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Leads and supports the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Motivates team members to meet the challenges of an extremely deadline-driven environment.

Health & Safety
- Maintain health and workplace safety standards to ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

• Collaborate with the Health & Safety team and other stakeholders to proactively develop improved safety processes and best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or Industrial Engineering or a combination of education and related work experience.
  10+ years management experience preferably in a unionized distribution centre or logistics environment.
  Experience in an automated distribution centre is preferred.
  Experience interpreting a collective bargaining agreement and high-level participation in labour relations.
  Lean Six Sigma training preferred or equivalent experience in driving results through transformations Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives.
  Proficiency with MS Office, Distribution Management Systems.
  Experience with SAP is an asset.