Warehouse Operations Manager

About Northwood:

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.

Job Level:

The level of this position will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. We are open to considering candidates of varying experience levels, from early-career to experienced.

Role:

Northwood is seeking a Warehouse Operations Manager to lead and establish our warehouse operations. As the first dedicated hire for our warehouse, you will play a pivotal role in setting up, organizing, and maintaining processes related to receiving, inspecting, inventory management, and logistics for raw materials, components, and finished goods. You will be responsible for implementing best practices in warehouse operations while ensuring the seamless flow of materials into and out of the manufacturing process. This is a critical role in our effort to scale and establish an international network of sites.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, high-performing, problem solver with experience executing large, fast-moving projects. The ideal candidate will thrive in a startup environment, taking initiative to build efficient and scalable warehouse operations from the ground up.

Responsibilities: 

• Establish Warehouse Operations: Design, set up, and implement warehouse operations from the ground up, ensuring systems and processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with the company's growth goals.

• Inventory Management: Manage and optimize inventory control processes, including tracking, labeling, and storing raw materials, components, and finished goods. Implement inventory management systems and maintain accurate, up-to-date stock records to ensure timely availability of materials for production.

• Receiving and Inspection: Oversee the receipt of raw materials, components, and finished goods, ensuring accuracy and compliance with purchase orders and specifications. Develop standardized inspection processes to identify and resolve discrepancies, damages, or quality issues upon arrival.

• Logistics Coordination: Oversee logistics operations, including the flow of materials to the production floor and the shipment of finished goods to customers or storage. Coordinate with third-party logistics providers, freight companies, and transportation vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.

• Safety and Compliance: Ensure the warehouse environment adheres to safety standards and company policies. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment, complying with OSHA regulations and best practices in warehouse safety.

• Performance Monitoring: Track key warehouse performance metrics (e.g., inventory turnover, receiving accuracy, order fulfillment) and report on progress to management. Identify opportunities for improvement and implement process enhancements to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

• Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies within warehouse operations and collaborate with other departments (e.g., procurement, production) to implement solutions that improve workflows, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.

• Documentation and Reporting: Develop and maintain documentation for all warehouse processes and procedures. Ensure proper record-keeping for inventory management, receiving, inspection, and logistics activities.

• Team Leadership and Development: As the warehouse grows, hire, train, and manage warehouse staff. Provide leadership and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the warehouse team.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of professional experience in materials management, supply chain, or production/manufacturing; or 8+ years of professional experience in materials management, supply chain, or production/manufacturing

• Strong knowledge of inventory management, warehouse operations, and logistics processes

• Experience working with receiving, inspection, and shipping of components or equipment is a plus

• Hands-on experience with warehouse management systems (WMS) or similar tools

• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices for warehouse environments.

• Experience in a manufacturing or high-tech environment, especially in electronics or similar ind