Warehouse and Distribution Manager

Position: Warehouse and Distribution Manager
Location: Arcola, IL
Starting Minimum Pay: $ 75-126K base salary DOE

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CELEBRATING STUDENT MILESTONES – HERFF JONES
Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas, frames, announcements, and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs. Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty, and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones. Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years.

Warehouse & Distribution Manager – Arcola, IL

YOUR OPPORTUNITY:
We are seeking a Warehouse & Distribution Manager in our Arcola, IL facility.

HERE'S HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT:
The Warehouse & Distribution Manager, reporting directly to the Director of Operations, oversees the daily operations of warehousing, inventory control, and outbound distribution at our Arcola, IL facility. This leader plays a critical role in ensuring efficiency, safety, and service excellence, particularly during our seasonal peak, while supporting Herff Jones’ mission to be the most trusted name in celebrating student milestones.

At Herff Jones we may have been around for over 100 years, but we are constantly evolving. For you, that means your job may grow and change over time. We are a seasonal business with a sharp spike (85% of annual volume) in shipments during the spring (graduation season) that includes B2B and D2C shipments.

While in this position you will be responsible for all warehouse and distribution operations. You will work elbow to elbow with a team of leaders who take ownership and lead from the front. Trust, candor and a willingness to partner within the organization are non-negotiable. This role will afford you opportunities to partner up and downstream in the process while driving tangible results. Operating as a leader in business first and a functional leader second will be critical to your success.

Leadership & Transformation
• In partnership with the C&G leadership team, lead the receiving, warehousing, and distribution.
• Serve as a primary stakeholder and key leader in the implementation of new technology and processes in support of larger organizational change initiatives.
• Work with Director of Operations in succession planning activities to develop the next generation of leaders.
• Safeguard warehouse operations and contents by establishing and monitoring security procedures and protocols.

Inventory
• Maintain an accurate inventory and partner with the C&G materials team to drive working capital reductions YoY.
• Update and overhaul inventory management processes in a environment without a WMS or barcoded product. Including, but not limited to, cycle count schedules, slotting/storage plans, receiving and put-away procedures.
• Own the physical condition of distribution center by planning and implementing new design layouts, updating equipment, maintaining inspection logs and safety procedures.
• Develop and own shipping vendor relationships, coordinate distribution needs for peak season.

Day-to-Day Operations
• Partner closely with the materials & manufacturing teams on schedules, inventory levels and customer requirements to drive a balance score card: Safety-Quliaty-Delivery-Inventory-Cost
• Achieve financial objectives by preparing an annual budget, scheduling, and assigning employees and following up on work results, to include a large influx of seasonal staff
• Provide regular updates and metrics to other C&G and divisional leaders.
• Day-to-day leadership and support of direct reports (3-4 supervisors) centered around; organization, communication, achieving goals, customer interactions, and scheduling production for maximum efficiency and quality.
• Actively participate in daily walkthroughs, understanding metrics and their drivers, and troubleshooting of operations.
• Organize and lead continuous professional development for your department leads.
• Other leadership duties as assigned.

Division & Site
• Work closely with Division stakeholders to support their efforts.
• Attend planning and updating meetings with various groups, with particular emphasis on Process Improvement Groups.
• Attend offsite meetings as needed.
• Practice teambuilding and present a positive outlook throughout the Plant & Division keeping in mind the Administrative Team has internal an