Director, Operations

Since 1952, Lawson Products has worked hard to make our customers' jobs easier by improving their operational efficiency, productivity and overall performance. As a leader in the MRO industry, we partner with customers to make sure they have the right maintenance and repair parts on hand when needed.

We’re looking for a motivated Operations Director at our McCook distribution center to manage all aspects of its operations, including inbound, outbound, and office activities. This role executes operational strategies, manages budgets and resource allocation, oversees day-to-day activities, identifies and mitigates potential risks, fosters strong stakeholder relationships, and keeps senior leadership informed. This individual has site accountability, budget responsibility, and process design and improvement responsibility, utilizing Lean techniques and ISO methodologies.

This role leads a staff of approximately 220 hourly, supervisory, and management staff.

The hours for this role are typically 7:30 am–4:30 pm Monday through Friday. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes vision, dental, medical and retirement benefits, as well as a paid holiday and PTO package.

• Oversees a warehouse/distribution operation, including a management team and up to 200 associates. Directs day-to-day operations of this cross-functional distribution center staff, focused on safely delivering a competitive advantage to the sales organization through on-time, accurate, and efficient shipment of customer orders. Performs risk management, identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with warehouse operations.
• Creates and leads a well-trained staff, ensuring their effectiveness in achieving operational objectives. Responsible for the hiring, training, and performance of all personnel, providing development, cross training, and mentoring to ensure promotability. Enforces policies set forth by the corporation, working closely with senior management on all Human Resources issues.
• Leads continual improvement in operational performance. Leverages project management tools to streamline workflows and optimize processes. Ensures optimal utilization of warehouse management systems – SAP WM. Participates and effectively implements "best practice" processes. Coordinates quarterly planning, identifying opportunities and developing action plans to enhance operational efficiency. Cascades organization strategy and goals through the function/work area to the individual level, ensuring all employees understand how they can contribute to the operation's success.
• Monitors operations performance, overall and specifically by function and area. Tracks productivity data and implement programs for improvement. Maintains a high level of accuracy (99.5%) on all outbound shipments. Ensures all contractual metrics for inbound and outbound processing, inventory control, etc. are consistently met or exceeded. Ensures required daily reports are distributed on time, as scheduled. Produces performance reports and executive summary reports monthly.
• Performs continual review of storage utilization to optimize cube/storage medium utilization and slotting to ensure safe and efficient execution of daily process execution that supports labor efficiency and on-time service to branch DC’s and customers.
• Sets strategic direction for all aspects of distribution operations in accordance with corporate and applicable business unit strategies and initiatives. Develops and implements strategic plans that align with the company's goals and improve overall operational efficiency. Enhances customer service by proactively reviewing and communicating their operational needs.
• Ensures compliance to safe work practices at all times, adhering to safety, quality, routines, processes, and compliance standards. Conducts scheduled safety meetings with the shift managers and dock workers on a regular basis.
• Manages budget responsibility within the annual operating budget and cost containment goals. Operates in an efficient/cost-conscious manner so that all budgeted objectives are achieved. Manages facility costs while maintaining service levels.
• Mainta…