Position Overview
Our client, an established organization in the consumer products and distribution space, is seeking an experienced Operations Supervisor to lead key functions across order management, customer fulfillment, and demand planning.
This individual will oversee the team responsible for processing and fulfilling customer orders while helping ensure inventory and product availability align with anticipated demand. The Operations Supervisor will play an important role in improving workflows, developing team members, resolving operational issues, and coordinating across Sales, Manufacturing, Logistics, and other business functions.
The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of people leadership, order management, demand forecasting, inventory planning, and SAP experience. Experience within a retail, consumer products, manufacturing, or distribution environment is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
Order Management & Customer Fulfillment
- Lead the daily activities of the order management and fulfillment team, ensuring orders are processed accurately and efficiently.
- Supervise, coach, and develop team members while establishing clear expectations and accountability.
- Monitor order activity, service levels, and operational performance to identify potential issues before they impact customers.
- Partner closely with Sales, Manufacturing, Logistics, and other internal teams to support accurate and timely order fulfillment.
- Identify opportunities to streamline order management processes and improve overall efficiency.
- Establish and maintain effective procedures, documentation, and controls within the department.
- Investigate and resolve order discrepancies, fulfillment challenges, and escalated customer concerns.
- Track departmental performance and provide reporting on key trends, service levels, and operational metrics.
- Ensure customer and order information is accurately maintained within company systems.
- Lead onboarding, training, and cross-training initiatives to ensure appropriate team coverage and continuity.
- Serve as an escalation point for complex customer situations and work toward effective resolution.
- Ensure team members maintain a strong understanding of products, pricing, availability, lead times, and applicable programs.
- Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain partners to address product availability and customer order challenges.
- Oversee customer returns and use return trends to identify opportunities for process or service improvements.
Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Develop demand forecasts across short-, mid-, and longer-term planning horizons.
- Analyze historical sales, purchasing patterns, inventory activity, and other demand indicators to improve forecasting.
- Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations leadership to understand upcoming demand and business drivers.
- Translate forecast information into actionable production, inventory, and fulfillment planning.
- Support scheduling activities and provide leadership to employees responsible for forecasting and order coordination.
- Identify gaps between forecasted and actual demand and recommend adjustments to improve forecast accuracy.
- Develop processes and tools that strengthen inventory planning and product availability.
- Train and cross-train team members involved in forecasting and planning activities.
- Present demand trends, operational insights, risks, and recommendations to management.
- Participate in cross-functional planning discussions to align inventory and operational resources with business needs.
Qualifications
- Associate's degree, technical degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
- 5+ years of experience in supply chain, demand planning, order management, customer operations, or a related function.
- 2+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Strong hands-on experience working within SAP.
- Demonstrated experience with inventory planning, forecasting, and demand analysis.
- Strong understanding of customer order management and fulfillment processes.
- Working knowledge of logistics, warehousing, and distribution operations.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to analyze and interpret operational data.
- Proven ability to lead and develop employees in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across departments.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and customer service.
Preferred Background
Experience within consumer products, retail, manufacturing, distribution, or a similar product-driven environment is preferred. Candidates who have worked in organizations managing high volumes of customer orders, inventory, and demand forecasting will be particularly well suited for this opportunity.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position operates primarily in a professional office environment with a generally moderate-to-low noise level. The role regularly requires sitting, communicating, and working with computers and other office equipment, with occasional standing, walking, reaching, and lifting or moving items weighing up to approximately 10 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Charlotte, North Carolina.