Operations Manager

With over 100 years of experience, Stokes Seeds is a primary distributor of commercial vegetable seeds throughout the US and Canada. We have locations in Thorold Ontario, Holland MI, Buffalo NY, Vineland NJ, LaBelle FL, and Moultrie GA. We partner with trusted growers and vendors for research and trialing, ensuring the confidence of carrying only high-quality products. Featuring an experienced sales team, exciting new varieties from world-class vendors, and exceptional customer service, Stokes Seeds continues to be the seed supplier of choice for growers across Canada and the US.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for the operation of all Stokes Seeds US facilities. As a key senior leader, you will manage and direct order fulfillment, logistics, inventory management and facility maintenance across all facilities. You will focus on successfully executing all duties accurately, on tie with a keen eye toward process improvement and the timely mentorship of staff.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Oversee direct reports across five (5) warehouse locations supporting all aspects of Stokes facilities and order fulfillment processes
• Balance workloads & staffing of each facility, ensuring regular touchpoints and check-ins with warehouse staff
• Plan for labor as business increases and staff with full-time vs. seasonal labor as appropriate
• Review, update, and/or make recommendations for creation of new SOPs with focus on process improvement
• Train, supervise, and performance manage staff on all operating procedures
• Host daily/weekly team meetings to provide updates, highlight priorities, recognize positive outcomes, and take feedback on areas requiring potential improvement

Order Fulfillment

• Coordinate and execute the daily and weekly order fulfillment requirements, ensuring orders are lot assigned and assigned to warehouse personnel for picking
• Championing quality control, ensuring that orders go out accurately and on time
• Reviewing and monitoring daily workflow queues for orders in process, supporting the customer success and sales team to ensure on-time and accurate delivery
• Maintain a continuous improvement mindset in looking for optimizations and efficiencies amongst the order fulfillment process

Logistics Execution

• Lead day-to-day shipping/receiving operations; supervise shipping/receiving personnel, make recommendations for shipping/receiving policies as necessary
• Maintain freight provider relationships through regular meetings to ensure contracts provide consistent value to Stokes
• Regularly review shipping costs and invoices, ensuring accuracy with a focus on minimizing shipping costs where possible
• Ensure that all buildings are stocked with appropriate supplies for operation, including sales, sealers, boxes, foils, pails, lids, pallets, pallet racking, pens, knives, labels, etc.
• Maintain certifications for warehouses including up to date Health & Safety requirements, appropriate training (Fire Systems, Forklift training) records and safe workplace environments

Inventory Management

• Initiating and overseeing Stokes’ annual and periodic pre-pack needs to ensure sufficient inventory levels are on shelf during peak seasons while minimizing excess inventory
• Act as a champion for efficient movement and storage of warehouse, with the goal of minimizing inventory touches and shipments through multiple warehouses
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, reporting back to the Director of Operations on action plans to remedy the situation
• Lead the annual inventory count, supporting all warehouse locations and ensuring inventory counts are carried out timely and accurately
• Coordinate the annual testing of germ results on inventory, coordinating with all warehouses and staff to facilitate germ testing and germ updates

Facility Maintenance

• Ensure all buildings are in good condition and are maintained appropriately
• Duties include arranging lawn services, parking lot maintenance, roof repair, forklifts, HVAC, painting, carpeting, etc.
• Act as Stokes lead contact for all service-based contracts supporting facilities, ensuring contracts are adhered to and charges received for services align with relevant contracts

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor Degree (BA or BS) from a four-year college or university program in supply chain management, logistics, operations, business, or relevant on-the-job experience
• 4 years experience in Warehousing/Distribution order processing
• Strong knowledge of warehousing and inventory management best practices, RF Scanners
• Experience working with inventory management software, warehouse management system (WMS) or ERP systems required
• Ability to quickly learn, understand ,and mentor staff on current and/or future ERP systems
• Proven ability to communicate ideas, direction, and feedback to subordinates, and superiors – persuasive
• Ability to define complex problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions
• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task
• Demonstrated ability to set/manage priorities under pressure in a time sensitive environment
• Systems and process driven
• LEAN Manufacturing/Six Sigma training and experience a plus
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, and government regulations
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints
• General knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and cost-control principles
• Experience coordinating activities; managing, reporting, and profitability analysis
• Ability to motivate teams while simultaneously managing several projects
• Valid State Driver’s License

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Warehouse: 4 years (Preferred)
• Leadership: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Holland, MI 49424 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000