Director of Warehouse Operations & Logistics

Director of Warehouse Operations & Logistics : Location: Joliet, IL We’re looking for a high-ownership, entrepreneurial Director of Warehouse Operations & Logistics to run day-to-day warehouse and logistics operations for a growing company. This is not a desk job and not a corporate “middle manager” role. You will own execution — people, process, inventory, and transportation — with clear KPIs, real authority to improve systems, and direct impact on profitability and customer satisfaction. This role starts hands-on and execution-focused , and evolves as processes tighten and the operation matures — allowing more time for planning, analysis, optimization, and strategic cost control. If you thrive wearing multiple hats, building structure, and treating operations like a business within a business, this role is for you. What You’ll Own (Your Scorecard): You are accountable for performance across these core KPIs: On-time, in-full (OTIF) shipping Inventory accuracy & cycle count variance Labor productivity & overtime control Freight and transportation cost per order / per pound Transportation cost variance vs. expected / quoted Safety, cleanliness, and SOP compliance Order accuracy & quality errors You will have the authority — and expectation — to improve these metrics. The Role (How You’ll Spend Your Time): This is a hands-on leadership role with increasing strategic responsibility over time . You will spend significant time on the warehouse floor early on: Leading by example Coaching associates and supervisors Removing bottlenecks Enforcing SOPs and safety standards Establishing consistent execution and accountability As processes, training, and KPIs stabilize, your focus will increasingly shift to: Planning and optimization Data analysis and reporting Transportation strategy and cost control Continuous improvement initiatives You are expected to flex your time based on what the operation needs , not a fixed schedule. Key Responsibilities: People & Leadership Lead, train, and hold warehouse associates accountable to clear standards Run daily huddles to align on priorities, volume, and performance targets Build a culture of ownership, safety, and continuous improvement Ensure labor compliance (breaks, lunches, scheduling) Identify skill gaps and implement training programs that reduce dependency on constant supervision Warehouse Operations Oversee all warehouse functions: receiving, put-away, inventory control, picking, packing, and shipping Ensure accurate, on-time order fulfillment Perform and manage cycle counts; maintain high WMS accuracy Conduct regular quality audits on inbound and outbound orders Maintain a clean, organized, and safe facility aligned with SOPs Transportation, Logistics & Cost Control Own inbound and outbound transportation strategy, including domestic and ocean freight Manage carrier relationships across parcel, LTL, FTL, and ocean transportation Understand and manage all transportation-related costs and accessorials , including: Fuel surcharges Detention, demurrage, and port fees Accessorial charges and pass-through costs Create and maintain auditing processes to ensure freight invoices match contracted rates, quotes, and expected costs Bid out freight, select carriers, and negotiate cost-effective and reliable rates Create ASNs, loads, and BOLs; ensure compliance with customer routing and documentation requirements Actively identify transportation cost savings and eliminate billing variances Partner with purchasing and sales to align inventory flow, inbound timing, and outbound commitments Continuous Improvement & Analysis Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements across warehouse and transportation Improve SOPs, layouts, workflows, and carrier performance Track KPIs, analyze trends, and report results transparently Build repeatable systems that reduce errors, cost leakage, and manual effort Treat the operation like a business within the business Who Thrives in This Role You like owning out