Manager Shipping & Distribution

KNAPP Group, a global provider of intelligent automation solutions for intralogistics and manufacturing, dedicates over 8,000 employees worldwide to simplify complex operations.

The Manager Shipping & Distribution is responsible for the full operational leadership of warehouse execution and outbound distribution within the Spare Parts & Stock Logistics Department. This role ensures seamless material flow, accuracy in order fulfillment and alignment with KNAPP operational standards while leading a team that interacts with advanced warehouse systems and logistics processes.

• Oversee daily warehouse operations to ensure efficient workflow and execution.
• Ensure timely and accurate inbound and picking activities in coordination with the Warehouse Team Lead.
• Develop and execute effective distribution strategies aligned with business priorities.
• Manage carrier relationships and monitor freight costs to ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Ensure adherence to customer shipment promise dates.
• Lead escalation management efforts to resolve issues impacting warehouse performance.
• Drive cross-functional logistic alignment and execution.
• Safeguard inventory accuracy and ERP/EWM system integrity.

The Manager Shipping & Distribution ensures that warehouse operations support business priorities, revenue recognition, and customer uptime requirements.

• Own outbound freight strategy (parcel, LTL, FTL, air freight, courier, international export).
• Negotiate and manage carrier relationships, rate structures, and service agreements.
• Monitor freight spending and implement cost optimization initiatives.
• Ensure export compliance, customs documentation accuracy, and international shipment adherence.

• Ensure on-time shipment performance aligned with customers’ promise dates.
• Serve as an escalation point for late shipments, carrier failures, or service risks.
• Partner with Customer Service and Sales to resolve shipping disputes and claims.
• Support revenue recognition timelines through shipment discipline and documentation.

• Directly manage and develop the Warehouse Team Lead.
• Ensure receiving and picking execution supports outbound shipping priorities.
• Align staffing plans with shipment volume forecasts.
• Support escalation management when warehouse execution risks shipment commitments.

• Identify and implement workflow improvements across shipping, staging, and dispatch.
• Drive reduction of picking errors impacting outbound quality.
• Improve dock flow, staging strategy, and carrier handoff efficiency.
• Lead automation/system enhancement initiatives impacting distribution performance.

• Provide a weekly operational distribution summary to the Director Spare Parts.
• Provide monthly cost and performance analysis with a corrective action plan.

• Ensure adherence to OSHA and corporate safety standards.
• Ensure proper record retention for audit and financial reporting.
• Lead freight claims and damage investigation process.

• Develop Warehouse Team Lead into strong operational executors.
• Establish culture of urgency, accountability, and accuracy.
• Set clear performance standards and measurable goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, business or equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
• 5+ years’ experience in shipping, freight management, or distribution leadership.
• Experience in managing carriers and freight spend budgets.
• Experience in automated or high-accuracy warehouse environments preferred.

• Strong knowledge of domestic and international freight regulations.
• Deep understanding of export documentation and customs processes.
• Proficiency in SAP / EWM or equivalent WMS systems.
• Financial awareness (freight cost analysis, budget tracking).
• Strong leadership and performance management capability.
• Ability to operate in high-pressure, customer-critical environment.
• Structured problem solver with continuous…