Distribution Manager

About the role

The Distribution Manager is responsible for leading daily warehouse operations, inventory control, shipping/receiving, and order fulfillment within a highly regulated distribution environment. This role holds primary responsibility for team management, operational accuracy, ERP/WMS system execution, and regulatory compliance (GDP/DSCSA).

What you'll do

Team Leadership & Inclusive Development

• Lead warehouse staffing, onboarding, daily task assignment, and performance management to support a skilled, accountable, and dependable team.
• Establish clear performance expectations, deliver continuous coaching, and conduct documented performance evaluations aligned with operational KPIs and compliance standards.
• Develop employee competency through structured training, cross-training, and qualification assessments to strengthen workforce flexibility and operational redundancy.
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative, respectful, and safety-focused work environment through transparent communication, active listening, and constructive feedback.

ERP/WMS Execution & Systems Proficiency

• ·Develop and maintain proficiency in company ERP/WMS configurations, transaction requirements, inventory structures, and established distribution workflows.
• Execute, review, and validate receiving, put-away, inventory transfers, order processing, shipping confirmations, and authorized inventory adjustments.
• Verify accurate entry and maintenance of item numbers, units of measure, quantities, lot numbers, expiration dates, and serialization data.
• Investigate transaction discrepancies, system exceptions, inventory variances, and incomplete records, ensuring timely resolution or escalation.
• Utilize ERP/WMS reporting tools to monitor order status, inventory accuracy, receiving performance, transaction completion, and distribution KPIs.
• Collaborate with IT to troubleshoot system issues, validate approved workflow changes, and support ongoing employee training.

Inventory Management & Operations

• Direct daily receiving, storage, order fulfillment, shipping, and returns activities to ensure efficient workflow execution and service delivery.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through controlled receiving, lot/expiration tracking, cycle counts, discrepancy reconciliation, and timely corrective action.
• Enforce approved product storage, segregation, environmental monitoring, and temperature control requirements; escalate excursions or damaged goods immediately.
• Evaluate and optimize distribution processes to improve throughput, eliminate inefficiencies, reduce errors, and control operating costs.
• Coordinate priorities with Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Logistics to meet fulfillment commitments and address service disruptions proactively.

Quality, Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure operations comply with Good Distribution Practices (GDP), FDA regulations, Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) guidelines, State Board of Pharmacy requirements, and SOPs.
• Conduct documented operational inspections, transaction reviews, and process verifications to identify inventory discrepancies, procedural gaps, and quality risks.
• Support deviation investigations, root-cause analysis (5-Why), and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA); execute recall, traceability, and temperature excursion procedures.
• Maintain audit-ready practices and support internal audits, regulatory inspections, and customer assessments in coordination with Quality and Compliance.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive warehouse, distribution, or inventory operations experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity. (An equivalent combination of education and directly relevant operational leadership experience will be considered).
• Systems Proficiency: Practical experience executing and troubleshooting transactions within ERP and/or WMS platforms.
• Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate operational discrepancies, identify root causes, and execute corrective actions.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word.
• Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential required.

Preferred / Optional Qualifications

(Candidates who meet these preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply, but candidates meeting all basic requirements will receive full consideration.)

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Industry Experience: Experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare, or other highly regulated distribution environments.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with DSCSA, pharmaceutical serialization, EPCIS, lot traceability, and expiration controls.
• Certifications: Forklift operator certification or experience overseeing powered industrial truck safety programs.

Competencies

• Inclusive team leadership, coaching, and workforce development
• ERP/WMS transaction execution, reporting, and issue resolution
• Warehouse operations, inventory control, and order fulfillment
• Operational planning, prioritization, and cross-functional coordination
• Regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and quality systems
• Root-cause analysis, sound judgment, and corrective action
• Clear communication, collaboration, and constructive feedback
• Continuous improvement, process optimization, and cost awareness

Why Join us?

• Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% employer-paid for employees and dependents
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off and company-recognized holiday
• Parental leave and professional development opportunities