Distribution Center Director

Continuous improvement mindset

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application‑specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let’s simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Gates has an exciting opening for a Distribution Center Director to be located remotely.

The Director, North America Distribution is a senior operations leadership role responsible for day‑to‑day execution and performance of Gates’ North America distribution network. This role has accountability for distribution center operations, executional excellence, service performance, and cost control across a multi‑site network supporting manufacturing plants, customers, and commercial growth.

This leader partners closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain Planning, Procurement, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure safe, reliable, cost‑effective, and scalable distribution operations aligned with business objectives.

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced, hands‑on distribution leader to drive operational excellence within a global industrial manufacturer known for innovation in materials science. The role is responsible for the successful operation of 9 distribution centers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, leading 6+ direct reports and a total organization of approximately 550 associates.

• Distribution center service level (on‑time, complete)
• Order picking accuracy
• Distribution center productivity
• Variable cost per line
• Inventory accuracy
• Safety performance (recordables, near misses)
• Employee retention and engagement

• Distribution Operations Leadership
  • Lead the day‑to‑day operations of the North American distribution network to achieve service, cost, safety, and productivity targets.
  • Ensure consistent execution of distribution processes, policies, and operating standards across all sites.
  • Drive operational stability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement across the network.
• Distribution Center Performance Management
  • Provide direct oversight of company‑operated and 3PL‑managed distribution centers.
  • Establish and enforce standards for:
    • Safety and environmental compliance
    • Order fulfillment performance
    • Inventory accuracy
    • Labor productivity and cost control
  • Review site‑level performance and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Cost, Budget, and Productivity Accountability
  • Own the distribution operations budget for North America.
  • Drive year‑over‑year productivity improvements while maintaining service and quality.
  • Identify and execute operational cost‑reduction opportunities within distribution centers.
  • Support capital planning related to warehouse equipment, automation, and facility improvements.
• Workforce and Labor Strategy
  • Oversee labor planning, staffing models, and workforce flexibility across the distribution network.
  • Partner with HR and site leadership on hiring, retention, engagement, and performance management.
  • Provide leadership across union and non‑union environments as applicable.
  • Build leadership capability across site management teams.
• Inventory Accuracy and Flow Execution
  • Ensure effective execution of inventory management processes within distribution centers.
  • Support inventory accuracy, cycle counting, slotting, and material flow disciplines.
  • Partner with Planning and Manufacturing to support inventory targets and service commitments.
• Continuous Improvement and Standardization
  • Lead adoption of lean, continuous improvement, and best‑practice operating models across sites.
  • Promote standard work, visual management, and performance management routines.
  • Benchmark site performance and share best practices across the network.
• 3PL Operations Management
  • Manage day‑to‑day operational performance of 3PL‑operated distribution centers.
  • Ensure adherence to contracts, SLAs,…