Director of Distribution Operations

Director of Distribution Operations (warehouse & fleet)

Location: 5115 S Millard Ave, Chicago, IL 60632

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly organized and experienced Director of Distribution Operations to oversee all operations related to receiving, shipping, and logistics within our Chicago distribution center, Moesle Meat Distribution Co. This role is crucial in ensuring efficient operations, maintaining inventory accuracy, and meeting customer delivery expectations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in warehouse management, particularly within the food industry, and possess exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills. The Director of Distribution Operations will report to the CEO and will receive additional assignments, oversight, guidance and mentorship from the General Manager of Queen Foods (Moesle’s sister company).

Founded in 1947, and bought by new owners in 2022, Moesle provides high-class wholesale meat product distribution for food retailers and grocers across the Midwest. We distribute every mix of protein and are an innovation-focused company, constantly working on bringing new products to life. We are seeking entrepreneurial individuals that want to help make a huge impact.

Moesle is part of the Whetstone Distribution family of companies. Whetstone Distribution and its family of companies have a vision to become the provider of choice for grocers and food service customers. Whetstone Distribution currently has three protein distribution and/or processing centers in the Midwest.

Responsibilities:

Oversee Receiving and Inventory Management:

• Supervise and coordinate incoming shipments of products.
• Ensure accurate verification and recording of received goods.
• Maintain proper storage conditions and inventory management practices.
• Implement quality control measures to uphold product integrity and safety standards.
• Implement best practices for product organization and storage.

Manage Shipping Operations:

• Coordinate outbound shipments to customers and other distribution centers.
• Ensure accurate picking, packing, and loading of orders.
• Monitor shipment schedules and ensure timely deliveries.
• Collaborate with carriers and logistics partners to optimize transportation routes and costs.

DOT Compliance & Fleet Management

• With support from the Whetstone Transportation Compliance Manager, oversight of all matters of DOT compliance, including mandated DOT Safety training programs, DOT logs, HOS records
• Make sure all fleet maintenance programs are current, including ensuring any maintenance issues with leased trucks are addressed in a timely manner
• Oversee purchases for materials and parts necessary to perform work
• Optimize routing and ensure delivery costs are aligned with budget

Safety

• Ensure all OSHA safety programs are current and up-to-date
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and sanitation standards.
• Ensure adherence to food safety regulations and guidelines, including proper handling, storage, and transportation of meat products

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and supervise a team of warehouse and driving staff, including hiring, training, and performance management
• Manage and develop multi-shift warehouse leaders and logistics/driver managers
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability among warehouse and transportation staff
• Schedule staff shifts and allocate resources effectively to meet operational demands
• Lead the budgeting process for operations expenses
• Design and maintain an efficient warehouse layout that maximizes space utilization.

Continuous Improvement and Efficiency:

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Implement new strategies and technologies to enhance warehouse operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track performance and efficiency.

Inventory Control and Reporting:

• Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy and minimize shrinkage.
• Generate reports on inventory levels, stock movements, and warehouse productivity.
• Collaborate with procurement and sales teams to forecast demand and manage stock levels effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field (preferred)
• 7+ years’ experience in warehouse/distribution leadership, including 3+ years leading supervisors or managers across multiple shifts
• Experience in a food distribution environment, preferably with meat or perishable food products
• Experience overseeing transportation at a distribution center required, preferably an internal transportation department and truck drivers; experience working within FMCSA and DOT compliance standards
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proven track-record of fostering a safety-first culture
• Proven track-record of developing supervisors and managers
• Ability to manage and motivate a diverse team of warehouse personnel
• Familiarity with safety regulations and quality control standards in food handling
• Proficiency in using warehouse management software (WMS), logistics and routing software, and MS Office applications
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with a focus on continuous improvement
• Detail-oriented, well-organized, and capable of meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Bilingual in Spanish/English is preferred