Manager, Wave Planning & Routing

purpose & overall relevance for the organization:

• lead and develop the wave planning and routing teams to ensure optimized order flow, service excellence, and execution of business objectives while meeting customer requirements and supporting efficient distribution center operations.
• oversee the end-to-end process of waving, routing, and outbound scheduling processes to maximize productivity, optimize capacity utilization, and ensure the timely execution of customer orders.
• drive alignment between customer requirements, distribution center kpis, and supply chain initiatives to deliver accurate, compliant, and on‑time outbound shipments.

key responsibilities:

• lead and oversee the wave planning and routing functions to ensure daily wave release plans, routing activities, and shipping schedules are executed in alignment with customer requirements, service level agreements, and business objectives.
• ensure daily wave release plans are coordinated with outbound shipping schedules and distribution center operations to optimize workflow, maximize productivity, and support accurate and timely shipment execution.
• monitor performance metrics, service levels, and department kpis related to wave planning, routing, and outbound operations, implementing corrective actions as needed to achieve operational targets.
• manage and create visibility to order exceptions, capacity constraints, and shipment risks in a proactive manner, working with internal and external partners to resolve issues and minimize service impacts.
• provide shipment forecasts and month‑end volume estimates to support operational planning and target attainment.
• partner closely with productivity planning, distribution operations, reporting & analytics, and commercial stakeholders to ensure facility objectives are met and reporting, tools, and processes support operational success.
• drive transparency and alignment across key us distribution initiatives by establishing effective reporting, communication, and performance visibility for operational and leadership teams.
• lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, capacity utilization, service performance, and kpi achievement across wave planning, routing, and outbound distribution processes.
• develop, maintain, and continuously improve documented sops (standard operating procedures), workflows, and training materials to ensure process consistency, compliance, and operational excellence.
• lead, coach, and develop team members by establishing clear expectations, providing performance feedback, addressing performance concerns, and fostering a positive, collaborative, and results‑oriented work environment.
• ensure compliance with all company policies and occupational health & safety requirements, including the reporting and management of incidents, hazards, and workplace safety concerns.
• perform additional projects and ad hoc responsibilities in support of us distribution and supply chain objectives.

key relationships:

• distribution: dc operations, inventory control, continuous improvement
• supply chain management: order fulfillment, tactical fulfillment, account management, omni‑channel operations, excellence teams, compliance, transportation, reporting & analytics, tech
• transportation partners and external carriers
• top account logistics partners

knowledge, skills and abilities :

• in-depth knowledge of end‑to‑end planning processes, preferably across distribution, manufacturing, operations or supply chain management
• demonstrated ability to apply analytical and logical thinking to operational planning, capacity management, process optimization, and problem resolution across complex distribution environments.
• excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with frontline associates, operational leadership, commercial partners, and senior management.
• strong systems proficiency, including microsoft office suite (advanced excel preferred), warehouse management systems (wms), and reporting and analytics tools such as powerbi, or similar platforms.
• working knowledge of transportation, customer routing requirements, carrier compliance standards, routing platforms, and…