General Manager, Distribution Center

The Employee Connect

Chicago, Illinois

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$100,000–$130,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Auditing, Budgeting, Business Administration, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corporate Policies, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, Distribution Management, Distribution Operations, Distribution Services, Distribution Warehousing, Employee Relations, Facilities Management, Food Delivery, Food Safety, Food and Beverage Industry, Human Resources, Incident Response, Inventory Management, Leadership, Logistics, Maintain Compliance, OSHA, Onboarding, Operational Strategy, Operations, Operations Management, Order Picking/Packing, Order/Customer Fulfillment, Organizational Skills, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Quality Management, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Restaurant, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Compliance, Safety/Work Safety, Sanitation, Shipping/Receiving, Space Operations, Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Operations, Team Lead/Manager, Time Management, Training Program, Transportation and Logistics, Warehousing, Workforce Management
LOCATION
Chicago, Illinois
POSTED
3 days ago
General Manager, Distribution Center
Location: Multiple Locations
Salary Range: $100,000 to $130,000 per year
Position Summary
A leading organization in food distribution is seeking an experienced and driven General Manager to oversee full operational performance at a high-volume distribution center. This is a critical leadership role within a fast-paced, essential industry that keeps food products moving efficiently from suppliers to retailers, restaurants, and other commercial customers. The selected candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of daily distribution center operations, including inbound receiving, inventory control, order fulfillment, outbound shipping, workforce management, and regulatory compliance.
The food distribution industry is one of the most demanding and rewarding sectors in supply chain management. General Managers in this space must balance operational efficiency with strict food safety standards, tight delivery windows, and complex labor coordination. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a sizable team, drive measurable performance improvements, and contribute directly to the success of a growing distribution network. For the right professional, this position provides significant career advancement potential, including pathways to regional or divisional leadership roles over time. You will work closely with senior leadership, department supervisors, transportation coordinators, and cross-functional support teams to ensure the facility consistently meets performance targets and customer expectations.
Core Responsibilities
  • Manage all daily operations of a full-scale food distribution center, ensuring smooth workflow across receiving, warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping departments
  • Lead, develop, and retain a large team of supervisors, leads, and hourly associates through consistent coaching, performance management, and professional development initiatives
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators including order accuracy, on-time fulfillment, inventory shrinkage, labor cost per unit, and safety incident rates
  • Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations, including FSMA, HACCP protocols, temperature monitoring requirements, and sanitation standards
  • Partner with human resources to manage recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and employee relations matters in alignment with company policies and applicable labor laws
  • Develop and manage the facility operating budget, identifying cost reduction opportunities while maintaining service quality and safety
  • Coordinate with transportation and logistics teams to optimize inbound and outbound scheduling and reduce carrier delays
  • Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce errors, improve throughput, and increase overall operational efficiency
  • Maintain a culture of safety by enforcing OSHA compliance, conducting regular safety audits, and responding promptly to incidents or near-miss events

Must-Have Requirements
  • Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in distribution, logistics, or supply chain operations
  • At least three years of experience in a senior leadership or general management role overseeing a distribution center or warehouse facility
  • Demonstrated experience managing operations within a food distribution, grocery, or cold chain environment strongly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP and FSMA compliance requirements
  • Proven ability to lead large teams of fifty or more employees across multiple departments and shifts
  • Proficiency with warehouse management systems and inventory tracking software
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, logistics, or a related field preferred but not required with equivalent experience

Benefits and Perks
  • Competitive annual salary ranging from $100,000 to $130,000 based on experience and qualifications
  • Comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and recognized holidays
  • Performance-based bonus eligibility tied to facility and individual results
  • Opportunities for career advancement into regional or executive leadership positions
  • Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
  • Ongoing professional development and leadership training programs

About the Company

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The Employee Connect