What are the responsibilities and job description for the Warehouse Director - Perishable Food position at Stew Leonard's?
Stew Leonard’s, a family-owned and operated fresh food store founded in 1969, has locations in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Stew’s earned its nickname, the “Disneyland of Dairy Stores” because of its country-fair atmosphere, with costumed characters and animated entertainment throughout the store that keep children entertained while parents shop.
Warehouse Director
Stew Leonard's is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Warehouse Director to lead and oversee all aspects of our warehouse operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in managing high-volume, fast-paced warehouse environments, with a strong emphasis on perishable food handling.
Position Summary:
The Warehouse Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of all warehouse operations across multiple Stew Leonard's locations. Success is measured against several key performance indicators (KPIs), such as order accuracy, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery. This position requires a strong understanding of perishable food handling and a focus on maximizing warehouse efficiency, minimizing costs, and ensuring the highest level of customer service. This is an on-site position, overseeing a total team of 120 which includes 10 direct reports.
Key Responsibilities:
Comprehensive, generous benefits are also offered.
Stew Leonard's is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.
Warehouse Director
Stew Leonard's is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Warehouse Director to lead and oversee all aspects of our warehouse operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in managing high-volume, fast-paced warehouse environments, with a strong emphasis on perishable food handling.
Position Summary:
The Warehouse Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of all warehouse operations across multiple Stew Leonard's locations. Success is measured against several key performance indicators (KPIs), such as order accuracy, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery. This position requires a strong understanding of perishable food handling and a focus on maximizing warehouse efficiency, minimizing costs, and ensuring the highest level of customer service. This is an on-site position, overseeing a total team of 120 which includes 10 direct reports.
Key Responsibilities:
- Warehouse Management:
- Direct and supervise all warehouse activities, including receiving, put-away, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory control.
- Optimize warehouse layout and workflow to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
- Support implementation of warehouse management systems in partnership with our IT department.
- Implement and maintain best practices in warehouse safety, sanitation, and food safety compliance (e.g., HACCP, FDA regulations).
- Manage and maintain warehouse equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
- Ensure repairs of equipment are managed effectively, emphasizing cost control through preventive maintenance.
- Oversee the maintenance of a clean and organized warehouse environment.
- Manage fleet operations, ensuring transportation efficiency and upkeep.
- Scheduling deliveries and transportation of products across warehouses.
- Inventory Management:
- Implement and maintain accurate inventory control systems, including cycle counts and physical inventories.
- Analyze inventory levels and identify opportunities to improve inventory turnover and reduce stockouts.
- Focus on managing and reducing inventory while ensuring timely product flow between facilities through cross-docking.
- Collaborate with procurement and sales teams to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Team Leadership:
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a high-performing warehouse team.
- Motivate and empower team members to achieve operational goals.
- Foster a positive and productive work environment.
- Conduct performance reviews and provide regular feedback to team members.
- Manage labor effectively across 3 shifts, with an emphasis on controlling overtime.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance warehouse efficiency and productivity.
- Analyze operational data to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions.
- Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies in warehouse management.
- Proven ability to drive organizational change and adapt processes to evolving business needs.
- Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations, including OSHA, DOT, and food safety regulations.
- Conduct safety inspections and implement safety training programs.
- Investigate and address any safety concerns promptly.
- Experience with transportation and distribution of perishable food products is essential.
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a relevant field.
- 10 years of experience in a warehouse management role within the perishable food industry.
- Proven experience in managing high-volume, fast-paced warehouse operations.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in warehouse management software (WMS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment as well as independently.
- Strong work ethic and a commitment to safety and quality.
- Willingness and ability to travel to various worksites within the tri-state area as needed.
Comprehensive, generous benefits are also offered.
Stew Leonard's is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.
