Operations Manager (Warehouse Operations)

The Operations Manager is accountable for safe, efficient, and profitable day-to-day warehouse and dock operations that support the transportation function (FTL/LTL/final mile). This role leads warehouse teams and warehouse-side coordination (receiving, staging, loading readiness, inventory control, and documentation support) to ensure freight is accurate, damage-free, and ready on time—while also delivering contracted warehousing and storage services with strong inventory accuracy and contract compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations

• Lead receiving, putaway, cross-dock, picking, staging, and loading operations to meet outbound cutoff times and service commitments.

• Coordinate dock schedules and appointments (inbound/outbound) to balance labor, doors, and space; maintain clear staging plans by route/carrier/customer.

• Maintain inventory integrity through cycle counts, reconciliation, and disciplined location control; ensure all inventory moves are accurately recorded in the WMS and supporting systems.

• Implement standard work for packaging, labeling, scanning, and quality checks; reduce damage and shortages through root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Ensure freight is shipment-ready: correct counts, labeling, paperwork prepared/verified (BOL support, packing lists, seal control where required), and exceptions clearly documented.

• Own MHE readiness and safe utilization (forklifts, pallet jacks, clamp trucks/attachments): operator certification, daily pre-use inspections, and removal from service when unsafe.

• Standardize clamp handling for bulky goods (appliances/furniture): clamp pressure settings guidelines, pad condition checks, and handling methods to prevent product and packaging damage.

• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs with vendors/maintenance; track downtime, battery/charging practices, and equipment availability to support daily volume.

Storage Contracts & Warehousing Services

• Own operational execution of storage contracts (short- and long-term), including inbound intake, condition checks, serialization as required, and controlled releases.

• Track billable activities (handling, in/out, storage days, pallet/sq.ft. usage, special services) and ensure supporting documentation is complete and auditable.

• Partner with accounting to validate rate sheets, accessorials, and contract terms; resolve billing disputes with clear operational evidence.

• Establish customer-specific SOPs for storage clients (receiving rules, labeling, inventory visibility, cutoffs, delivery scheduling, and escalation contacts).

• Support sales/leadership with operational inputs for new storage opportunities (space availability, labor requirements, service design, and implementation plans).

People Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing warehouse team (associates, leads/supervisors, inventory control) through coaching, training, and clear accountability.

• Build shift schedules and staffing plans aligned to inbound/outbound volumes and cutoff times; manage overtime responsibly while maintaining service levels.

• Own hiring, onboarding, performance management, and corrective action in line with company policies and employment standards.

• Run daily huddles and weekly performance reviews; communicate priorities, hazards, quality issues, and continuous-improvement actions.

Safety, Compliance & Security

• Champion a safety-first culture; conduct safety talks, inspections, and incident investigations with corrective and preventive actions.

• Ensure compliance with workplace, warehouse, and customer site requirements (PPE, equipment certification, safe loading practices, and hazard controls).

• Enforce MHE safety standards: documented pre-op inspections, pedestrian segregation, speed and horn rules, load securement, and safe attachment use (including clamps).

• Maintain facility and cargo security controls (yard/dock checks, key control, restricted access, chain-of-custody processes).

• Ensure equipment and facility standards are met (dock plates, racking condition, emergency equipment, housekeeping/5S).

Financial & KPI Management

• Manage warehouse operating costs including labor, supplies, MHE/facility costs, rework, damage, and shrink.

• Track and report key metrics (dock-to-stock, outbound readiness, pick/ship accuracy, damage rate, claims support data, space utilization, labor productivity, and storage revenue).

• Identify and execute continuous-improvement initiatives to reduce handling cost per unit and improve quality and throughput.

• Support budgeting and forecasting for warehouse labor, space, and contract warehousing activities; provide accurate volume and staffing assumptions.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the warehouse point of contact for key accounts and internal transportation partners; communicate readiness, exceptions, and recovery actions that impact pickup/delivery.

• Coordinate with internal teams (dispatch/transportation, customer service, accounting, claims, and leadership) to ensure accurate freight handoff and contract adherence.

• Lead warehouse onboarding and implementation for new customers and storage contracts, including SOPs, training, inventory setup, and go-live stabilization.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive warehouse/dock operations leadership experience, preferably in a transportation-support environment (FTL/LTL and/or final mile networks).

• Strong understanding of freight handling, safe loading practices, warehouse inventory control, and damage prevention.

• Experience managing teams across multiple shifts; proven ability to coach, drive accountability, and improve performance.

• Comfortable with WMS tools, scanning workflows, and Excel-based reporting.

• Working knowledge of warehouse safety requirements and MHE operations; ability to lead incident investigations and corrective actions.

• Strong communication skills with customers, drivers/carriers at the dock, and internal stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating contract warehousing/storage programs with billing based on pallets, square footage, handling, and value-added services.

• Exposure to claims support, damage reduction programs, and audit-ready documentation.

• Lean/continuous improvement training (5S, Kaizen, standard work, root-cause analysis).

• Forklift/MHE certification (or ability to become certified) and experience training others on safe operation.

• Experience handling bulky goods (appliances, furniture) and implementing packaging/handling standards to prevent damage.

Success Measures (Example KPIs)

• Outbound readiness: freight staged accurately and ready by cutoff (on-time tender-ready/ship-ready).

• Dock-to-stock performance and receiving accuracy.

• Warehouse productivity (units handled per labor hour) and throughput during peak periods.

• Inventory accuracy and cycle count results; shrink and mis-ship reduction.

• Damage and claims rate; rework hours and cost impact (including clamp-related damage trends).

• MHE availability and uptime (downtime hours, PM completion) and pre-op inspection compliance.

• Storage utilization, contract compliance, and billing accuracy (timeliness, dispute rate, recoveries).

• Safety performance (recordables, near misses, training completion, audit results).

Working Conditions

• On-site role in a warehouse environment with frequent time on the dock and in operational areas.

• May require early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends based on inbound/outbound volume and cutoff times.

• Regular exposure to moving equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks) and varying temperatures.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required and to perform extended walking/standing.