Distribution Manager

About Williams‑Sonoma DC

Since it was founded in 1956, Williams‑Sonoma has grown from Chuck Williams’ single store in Sonoma, CA, into one of the largest retailers in the country, featuring brands such as Williams‑Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and West Elm. Our Distribution Centers serve as vital links between factories and our retail, online, and mail‑order customers worldwide. The Supply Chain environment is dynamic, fast‑paced, and rapidly expanding.

This role is designed for a strong operator who wants to own meaningful parts of the business, build capable teams, and drive operational excellence in a high‑volume environment. Working closely with the General Manager and/or Assistant General Manager, you will lead performance across the floor, develop front‑line talent, and help the operation respond effectively to changing priorities, peak demand, and daily business needs.

• Build and lead high‑performing teams by setting clear expectations, coaching consistently, and reinforcing accountability at every level.
• Create a culture of urgency, ownership, discipline, and pride in execution.
• Develop team leads and emerging talent to strengthen the leadership bench and support long‑term site performance.

• Own key areas of the operation and ensure labor, staffing, and workflow are aligned to meet daily and peak volume demands.
• Translate operational priorities into action and maintain strong execution throughout the shift.
• Monitor productivity, workflow, and service performance, taking immediate action to address gaps and remove obstacles.
• Provide strong shift handoffs, operational continuity, and consistent execution across functions.

• Run a fast, efficient distribution operation with strong control across inbound, outbound, inventory, and dock activity.
• Use operational data, WMS systems, and real‑time observations to make sound decisions and improve performance.
• Lead with discipline around process adherence, inventory accuracy, and throughput.
• Think critically in a live operational environment and respond quickly to shifting priorities and challenges.

• Lead from the front on safety, compliance, and operational standards.
• Reinforce a culture where safe behaviors, quality execution, and operational discipline are non‑negotiable.
• Partner with site leadership to ensure compliance with OSHA standards and company expectations.
• Hold teams accountable for maintaining a clean, organized, and well‑run operation.

• Challenge the status quo, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive measurable gains in productivity, quality, and service.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen execution and improve scalability.
• Solve problems with a practical, progressive mindset by identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Help the operation scale up or down quickly as business conditions, labor needs, and seasonal demand shift.

• Work closely with the Assistant General Manager and site leadership team to execute business priorities and drive performance.
• Partner cross‑functionally with internal teams and external providers to ensure alignment and strong execution.
• Support a one‑team mindset that keeps the operation focused on positive service, quality, and productivity results.

• High school diploma or equivalent, with 3‑5 years of progressive distribution leadership experience in a large‑scale operation.
• This is an onsite role.
• Demonstrated success leading people and performance in a fast‑paced, high‑volume distribution, logistics, or fulfillment environment.
• Strong ability to lead teams, set direction, and drive accountability.
• Demonstrated operational judgment and ability to make effective real‑time decisions in a changing environment.
• Proficiency in WMS systems and understanding of how they support inventory control, workflow, and accuracy.
• Demonstrated success managing third‑party providers across warehouse operations, value‑added services, and transportation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics,…