Operations Lead

Operations Lead – Pool Point Operation

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Position Summary

Updike Distribution Logistics (UDL) is seeking an experienced Operations Lead to oversee the day-to-day operations of a Pool Point Operation in Phoenix, AZ.

Previous experience in pool point distribution is required.

This position is responsible for managing all warehouse floor operations from inbound receipt through outbound dispatch while ensuring customer KPI compliance, operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and on-time execution.

The Operations Lead will coordinate the daily flow of inbound freight, oversee warehouse associates responsible for unloading, sorting, segmenting, palletizing, staging, and loading freight, and ensure all shipments are prepared accurately and on time for scheduled outbound deliveries.

This individual will work closely with routing, transportation, customer service, and operations teams to ensure daily execution meets customer expectations while maintaining a safe, productive, and organized warehouse environment.

The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, collaborative, self-motivated, and thrives in a fast-paced retail distribution environment.

Candidates must be flexible and willing to work day or night shifts, weekends, and overtime as business needs require.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

Manage all daily warehouse floor operations from inbound receipt through outbound dispatch.

Oversee inbound trailer unloading and receiving activities.

Coordinate the sorting, segmentation, palletizing, wrapping, staging, and loading of freight.

Ensure all freight is processed accurately and ready for scheduled outbound departures.

Coordinate daily labor assignments to support operational volume and customer requirements.

Monitor warehouse flow to maximize productivity while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Ensure all outbound shipments are prepared according to routing schedules and are ready for Independent Contractor (IC) departures.

Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient warehouse operation.

Customer KPI Management

Ensure all customer service level agreements (SLAs) and operational KPIs are consistently achieved.

Monitor performance including:

On-time departures

Shipping accuracy

Inventory accuracy

Scan compliance

Labor productivity

Trailer turnaround time

Product quality and damage prevention

Investigate operational issues and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Transportation Coordination

Partner with routing and dispatch teams to ensure outbound schedules are met.

Ensure all freight is staged and loaded according to route sequence.

Coordinate loading activities with Independent Contractors (ICs) and transportation partners.

Communicate operational issues that may impact customer service or delivery schedules.

Inventory & Quality

Maintain inventory accuracy throughout receiving, staging, and shipping operations.

Ensure proper product handling to minimize damages.

Investigate inventory discrepancies and shipping exceptions.

Maintain warehouse organization and inventory control standards.

Safety & Compliance

Ensure compliance with company safety policies and OSHA regulations.

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Follow all customer operating procedures and company standards.

Continuous Improvement

Monitor daily operational and productivity reports.

Identify opportunities to improve warehouse flow, labor utilization, and operational efficiency.

Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of experience in pool point distribution operations (required).

Experience managing high-volume retail distribution, cross-dock, or pool point operations.

Strong knowledge of inbound receiving, freight sorting, segmentation, palletizing, staging, loading, and shipping operations.

Experience coordinating warehouse associates in a fast-paced environment.

Strong understanding of warehouse productivity metrics and customer KPIs.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational data and make informed decisions.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high levels of accuracy and customer service.

Must be willing to work day or night shifts, weekends, and overtime as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

Knowledge of transportation routing and final-mile delivery operations.

Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Key Competencies

Strong operational execution

Analytical and numbers-driven

Customer-focused

Excellent organizational skills

Collaborative and team-oriented

Self-motivated with a strong work ethic

Strong problem-solving abilities

Sense of urgency

High attention to detail

Continuous improvement mindset

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Ability to work in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures.

Ability to work flexible schedules based on business needs.

Success in This Role

The successful candidate will ensure inbound freight is processed efficiently, outbound routes depart on time, customer KPIs are consistently achieved, inventory accuracy is maintained, and warehouse operations run safely and efficiently while delivering exceptional service to our customers.