Primary Function

The Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring that all operational processes are performed with a high level of accuracy, timeliness and consistency to meet customer expectations. They will build and lead the operational team to deliver consistently, while leveraging modernized tools to drive success relative to broader performance targets and cost while mitigating disruption to service and sales. This role is highly collaborative with SUSA partners and the field enterprises. The Director develops and coaches' direct reports to build capability to scale the level of support needed to sustain process excellence capabilities throughout all assigned locations. Travel between 50 - 60% will be required within a territory that includes Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Iowa.

Essential Functions

Task

Strategic & Tactical Planning

• Overall ownership of key metrics related to safety, service, inventory control, and productivity. Assures appropriate processes for achieving desired performance are in place for their operations. Reviews current operational processes, analyzes operational data and identifies and documents changes to meet OpCo's goals in productivity and accuracy. Develops and supports recommendations to management team. Recommendations may be limited to a single branch operation or applicable to multiple branches or DCs.
• Develop and direct the management of the OpCo's Distribution Centers to ensure timely order processing and accurate inventory control.
• Captures and cascades project statuses to all key stakeholders on a weekly basis. The director proactively maintains project schedules with visibility to upcoming work 4-12 weeks in advance.
• Utilizes operating system expertise to identify, communicate and manage problem resolution to system-related operational processes.
• Develops and supports cycle counting process.
• Manages and communicates the logistical arrangements and processes related to transfers, deliveries, and shipping, e.g., carriers and freight vendors. Assures system is aligned with logistical processes.
• Develops and foster relationship with suppliers and rep agencies to incorporate sales goals into operational objectives.
• Implement and execute all Sonepar business and operational policies, ensure that controls are in place and operating as planned.
• Review each department's monthly expenses; recommend areas for savings and report areas of concern timely.
• Leads the deployment of lean tools and processes within your site locations.

Safety

• Manages safety efforts and initiatives for their sites. Coordinates the safety processes and training needed to fulfill governmental responsibilities.

Compliance

• Ensures OpCo's operational procedures are implemented and correctly executed in assigned branch(es) and DCs.
• Communicates OpCo's vision and values. Implements the highest standards for customer service excellence, operating excellence, and ethics.
• Ensures practices are conducted in compliance with governing federal and state regulations.

Team Leadership

• Participates in recruitment and selection processes, as necessary.
• Supports new site launches as required.
• Serves as liaison for office and operational staff to assure leveraging of local operational successes throughout the organization. Facilitates cross-company functional meetings to assure accurate processing, customer service excellence and idea sharing.

Communication

• Maintains continuous line of communication with reporting manager and assures challenges and concerns are addressed immediately.
• Monitors and responds to all means of communication (phone calls, electronic messaging, etc.) in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Maintains a working knowledge of required software applications and utilizes software for appropriate means of communication

Other Responsibilities

• May provide location specific operations management support.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally when required

Necessary Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• At least ten years of operational experience, at least two of which are in the distribution industry. At least two years of managerial experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in written and verbal formats.
• Proven focus on customer and operational excellence.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and other regulations concerning safety and operations.
• Ability to work well in a team environment. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products and ERP systems. Experience with Eclipse ERP a plus.
• Demonstrated persuasive skills with indirect authority.
• New site startup experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• PowerBI
• Lean experience
• Automation Experience

Physical Ability Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, including as a driver or passenger in an automobile.
• Ability to utilize a computer keyboard, computer monitor, and telephone for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and otherwise transport work-related materials that frequently weigh up to 25 lbs. and that may occasionally weigh in excess of 25 lbs.