Senior Program Manager, Material Handling Systems

The Sr Manager DC OPS MHE is responsible for the performance, reliability, and lifecycle management of all material handling equipment (MHE), including conveyor automation systems, and Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) assets within distribution center (DC) operations. This role ensures that MHE and PIT capabilities support operational throughput, productivity, and service level targets while driving continuous improvement, safety, and cost efficiency. The position serves as a key liaison between operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and external partners to optimize equipment performance and enable operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities 

MHE / PIT Operations & Performance Management

• Own day-to-day performance, uptime, and reliability of all MHE / PIT assets (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyor and sortation systems, RFID equipment,  PandA, and ASRS.
• Ensure MHE / PIT capabilities support DC throughput, productivity, and service level expectations.
• Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs), including uptime, downtime, cost per unit, maintenance intervals, and safety incidents.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address equipment failures and performance gaps.

Maintenance & Lifecycle Management

• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance strategies across all MHE assets.
• Manage spare parts inventory, planning, and availability to minimize downtime and operational disruption.
• Partner with the residence maintenance teams on lifecycle planning, including equipment upgrades and replacements.
• Drive continuous improvement in maintenance maturity and asset reliability.

Vendor & External Partner Management

• Actively manage external partners to ensure efficient, well-maintained, and operational material handling equipment (i.e., conveyance, PIT equipment, etc.) to ensure maximum uptime availability.
• Vendor relationship management (e.g., operating rhythm, capital projects, QRAIL)
• Conduct regular vendor audits and performance reviews for external partners to ensure contract compliance and expected service levels, to ensure maximum operational satisfaction.
• Coordinate service schedules, maintenance activities, and system upgrades.
• Leverage external expertise to optimize MHE / PIT operations and performance.
• Proactively develop and execute the strategy to manage end-of-life equipment, ensuring operation continuity. 

Cross-Functional Integration

• Serve as the primary liaison between DC operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and external partners for all MHE / PIT related topics.
• Establish clear operating rhythms, escalation protocols, and communication processes.
• Ensure alignment between MHE / PIT capabilities and broader operational priorities.
• Effective and timely communication with both internal and external stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify and implement automation, efficiency, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Support the design and implementation of new systems, retrofits, and facility enhancements.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Continuously develop, analyze, optimize, and standardize processes to related services.
• Lead all phases of assigned projects, including planning, coordinating, executing, and acceptance.

Finance and Cost Management

• Develop and actively manage annual maintenance budgets for all service areas (both CAPEX and OPEX) in close partnership with the business stakeholders and assigned financial controller. 
• Accurately track actual spend, manage, and be fully accountable for monthly/quarterly forecasts.
• Proactively identify opportunities for cost savings.  Track and report savings to leadership.
• Manage and ensure accurate and timely invoices from all external partners.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all MHE / PIT operations comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Partner with HSE teams to promo