Vice President of Distribution Center Operations

Vice President of Distribution Center Operations

The Vice President of Distribution Center Operations is responsible for leading end-to-end distribution center strategy and execution across multiple locations for a catalog retail business. This executive level role drives safe, efficient, and scalable omni channel fulfillment operations, overseeing inbound, outbound, inventory flow, transportation and value-added services while ensuring exceptional service, productivity, and cost performance. The person in this role is responsible for aligning the distribution capabilities with the overall growth, sales targets and margin objectives of the company.  The role partners cross-functionally with merchandising, inventory planning, sourcing, Lands’ End Business outfitters, customer service, and technology teams to optimize network performance and elevate the customer experience. Deep experience with the Manhattan platform and a strong record of data-driven decision making are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• 
  

  Lead distribution center operations across multiple facilities, establishing a high-performance operating model that supports catalog and omni channel order fulfillment.

  
  


• 
  

  Provide strategic and operational leadership for inbound receiving, put-away, replenishment, outbound fulfillment, shipping transportation, and value-added services.

  
  


• 
  

  Own the fulfillment, distribution and delivery for the business-to-business arm of the organization ensuring operational excellence at all times.

  
  


• 
  

  Drive network capacity, labor, and throughput planning to meet seasonal peaks, promotional events, and evolving customer demand.

  
  


• 
  

  Own service, cost, quality, safety, and inventory accuracy performance, using data and analytics to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.

  
  


• 
  

  Leverage Manhattan platform capabilities to optimize warehouse processes, inventory visibility, order routing, wave planning, slotting, labor efficiency, and system-enabled execution.

  
  


• 
  

  Develop and monitor KPIs and dashboards for fill rate, on-time shipment, order cycle time, dock-to-stock, productivity, cost per order, inventory accuracy, and quality metrics.

  
  


• 
  

  Lead and develop a strong team of site leaders and functional managers, creating clear accountability, succession plans, and a culture of engagement and continuous improvement.

  
  


• 
  

  Implement best practices in automated warehousing, inventory control, space utilization, and last-mile delivery tracking.

  
  


• 
  

  Partner with sourcing, merchandising, planning, IT, and customer service teams to improve flow, reduce friction, and enhance the end-to-end customer experience.

  
  


• 
  

  Standardize processes and best practices across locations while balancing local operational needs and compliance requirements.

  
  


• 
  

  Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on process design, automation, labor management, space utilization, and cost reduction.

  
  


• 
  

  Ensure compliance with company policies and all applicable safety, labor, and regulatory requirements.

  
  


• 
  

  Support capital planning, operating budgets, and long-range network strategy, including facility expansion, technology enhancements, and operational readiness.

  
  

Qualifications

• 
  

  Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

  
  


• 
  

  12+ years of progressive distribution, fulfillment, or supply chain leadership experience, including senior leadership responsibility for multiple distribution centers.

  
  


• 
  

  Proven omni channel distribution experience in a retail environment, preferably within a catalog or direct-to-consumer business model.

  
  


• 
  

  Distribution center experience supporting a business-to-business model a plus.

  
  


• 
  

  Strong hands-on experience with the Manhattan platform in a high-volume distribution or fulfillment setting.

  
  


• 
  

  Demonstrated success leading inbound, outbound, and value-added services teams in complex, fast-paced operations.

  
  


• 
  

  Excellent analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills with a track record of using data to drive operational decisions and business results.

  
  


• 
  

  Experience building KPI frameworks, interpreting operational data, and translating insights into measurable improvement plans.

  
  


• 
  

  Strong people leadership skills with the ability to develop leaders, influence cross-functional partners, and drive accountability across a distributed network.

  
  


• 
  

  Deep knowledge of warehouse operations, labor planning, inventory control, safety, quality, and continuous improvement methodologies.

  
  


• 
  

  Ability to travel to multiple distribution center locations as needed.

  
  


• 
  

  Role is based in Dodgeville WI

  
  

Preferred Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on operator who can move fluidly between executive planning and on-the-floor execution. They bring a strong customer-first mindset, excel in fast-paced environments, and use facts, metrics, and structured problem solving to make decisions. They are equally effective at leading large teams, influencing cross-functional stakeholders, and driving disciplined execution across a multi-site distribution network.