$190,000 - $200,000 a year
Position Overview
A major retail fulfillment network is seeking a high-caliber General Manager to lead its flagship distribution center in Piney Flats, Tennessee. This facility is a massive, high-volume operation encompassing approximately 1 million square feet on over 100 acres. The site utilizes extensive racked shelving, multiple 7‑mile conveyor systems, and continuous forklift movement to manage a variable‑volume operation that runs 24/7 during peak periods.
This role is a “people-first” leadership opportunity, stepping into an environment that requires a leader capable of rebuilding trust and stabilizing the culture following recent leadership turnover.
The mission for this role is as much about cultural transformation as it is about operational performance.
- Build Trust: Rebuild credibility on the floor through visible, approachable leadership and honest, two‑way dialogue.
- Stabilize Culture: Move the environment toward one of open communication where employees feel respected and heard, rather than just managed to metrics.
- Deliver Results: Maintain high standards for safety, service, and cost while navigating the complexities of a large‑scale fulfillment ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
- Site Leadership: Provide overall leadership for the facility, managing direct reports across Inbound, Outbound, Returns, QA, Inventory Control, and Transportation.
- Financial Ownership: Own the site P&L (excluding transportation), with accountability for a volume of approximately 16 million units at a target $2.17 cost per unit (CPU) .
- Operational Strategy: Drive performance relative to flex labor standards and non‑labor cost accounts, ensuring productivity shifts in line with volume fluctuations.
- Safety & Compliance: Integrate safety into daily routines, promoting a non‑negotiable safe work environment through audits, coaching, and near‑miss reporting.
- Continuous Improvement: Foster a Lean/Six Sigma mindset to drive structured, data‑driven changes across core operations and support functions like Maintenance and ICQA.
- Systems Orchestration: Lead the implementation of capital projects and champion the adoption of technical systems, including Manhattan WMS and Verint for workforce management.
- Collaboration: Partner closely with HR, EHS, and corporate partners to address employee relations issues proactively and align cross‑functional teams around shared priorities.
Candidate Profile
- Experience: Approximately 10 years in high‑volume distribution or fulfillment.
- Leadership: At least 7 years of experience in people‑leadership roles at scale, managing large, multi‑shift teams.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; an MBA is preferred to support financial acumen and strategic thinking.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with distribution systems (WMS, LMS) and the ability to translate operational data into clear, actionable plans.
- Soft Skills: An inclusive, collaborative, and direct leadership style is essential for success.
Year One Success Metrics
- Demonstrable improvement in associate trust and engagement indicators.
- Clear, measurable safety performance and regulatory compliance.
- Achievement of flex labor expectations and key customer‑service SLAs.
- Development of a more aligned, collaborative, and capable leadership bench.
Location & Benefits
- Location: Located in the Tri‑Cities region (Tennessee), known for a cost of living 10–20% lower than regional hubs like Knoxville and 5–15% below the national average.
- Area Amenities: Proximity to Boone Lake, Cherokee National Forest, and several state historic sites.
- Compensation: Competitive base salary (M4 level) with a 25% bonus structure and 25% Long‑Term Incentive (LTI) starting in 2027.
- Relocation: Full relocation assistance is provided.