Warehouse And Distribution Manager

Our Client is seeking an experienced Warehouse Manager to lead its Rancho Dominguez, California distribution operation. This is a hands-on, on-site leadership role in a complex, high-volume, high-SKU environment supporting demanding customer accounts.Reporting to an east coast–based Director of Operations, this leader will step into an established operation with long-tenured employees and existing management structures. Success in this role requires comfort inheriting a legacy team, resetting expectations, establishing leadership credibility on the warehouse floor, and making thoughtful decisions around role alignment, development, and, where necessary, personnel changes to elevate performance.The Warehouse Manager will be expected to assess the operation objectively, bring structure and accountability to daily execution, strengthen inventory and process discipline, and improve layout and workflows to support current demand and future growth. This role is best suited for a leader who is visible, hands-on, and confident operating in environments where change must be managed carefully but decisively.RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership & Change ManagementServe as the day-to-day leader of a California-based warehouse operation, setting clear expectations, priorities, and accountability.Act as a change agent, implementing best practices, improving organization, and raising performance standards across the facility.Successfully navigate situations where internal team members may have expected promotion, establishing trust, credibility, and clear leadership authority over time.Assess the current team objectively and make decisions regarding development, role realignment, performance improvement, or personnel changes as needed to elevate operational standards.Maintain a highly visible, hands-on leadership presence on the warehouse floor, actively observing operations, engaging with employees, and addressing issues in real time.Lead and develop assistant managers and warehouse staff through coaching, training, and performance management.Build a culture of ownership, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.Warehouse OperationsOversee all warehouse functions, including receiving, picking, packing, shipping, inventory control, returns, and materials handling.Ensure accurate, on-time order fulfillment while eliminating late orders and operational breakdowns.Protect service levels for key customer accounts, ensuring operational performance meets or exceeds expectations.Scale warehouse operations to support new customer accounts and increased volume without service disruption.Inventory, Systems & Process DisciplineLead the transition from annual physical inventory to disciplined cycle count programs.Improve inventory accuracy, location control, and overall inventory integrity.Enforce consistent and effective use of existing warehouse systems and tools (including SCP or comparable systems), with the ability to adapt best practices to the current technology environment.Establish, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).Use available data, observations, and practical KPIs to evaluate performance, identify issues, and drive continuous improvement.Layout, Optimization & EfficiencyEvaluate warehouse layout, slotting, and workflow to improve efficiency and throughput.Reduce unnecessary handling, movement, and congestion within the facility.Develop productivity standards and best practices for warehouse functions.Identify and implement operational improvements that enhance speed, accuracy, and scalability.Safety, Organization & Facility StandardsMaintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment.Promote and reinforce safety standards and best practices.Ensure equipment and tools are properly maintained to support efficient operations.Performance & Cost ManagementMonitor and improve key performance indicators, including on-time shipments, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, and labor productivity.Manage labor and operating costs in alignment with business expectations.Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service and quality standards.Prepare operational updates and reports as needed.KEY QUALIFICATIONSProven experience as a Warehouse Manager, Distribution Center Manager, or similar leadership role.Spanish language skills strongly preferred due to workforce composition (not required).Demonstrated success leading teams through operational change and improvement.Experience in high-SKU, small-component warehouse environments, such as:Automotive aftermarketHardware or tools distributionElectronics or components3PL / contract logistics (comparable complexity)Hands-on experience with:Cycle counting programs or inventory accuracy initiativesWarehouse systems (WMS, SCP, or similar), with the ability to learn and operate within existing platformsProcess optimization, layout improvement, and operational efficiency initiativesStrong people leadership experience, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.Ability to make sound decisions, prioritize effectively, and operate with autonomy in a fast-paced environment.Solid analytical and problem-solving skills with comfort using data to drive outcomes.Strong communication skills with the ability to lead at all levels of the organization.PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICSConfident, decisive leader with strong judgment.Comfortable making difficult decisions while remaining firm, fair, and transparent.Hands-on, visible presence on the warehouse floor.Organized, disciplined, and process oriented.Comfortable challenging “how it’s always been done.”High integrity, accountability, and professionalism.Calm under pressure with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.Motivational leader who builds trust and credibility with teams.Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.Natural change agent who balances urgency with thoughtful execution.EDUCATIONBachelor’s degree preferred in operations, supply chain, logistics, business, or a related field. (Equivalent experience in warehouse or distribution leadership will be considered in lieu of formal education.)