Position Summary
Homewerks Worldwide is located in the northern suburbs of Chicago and is seeking a dynamic and energetic Vice President of Distribution to join the Operations team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading warehouse operations and network optimization to enable growth (organic and business integrations). The Vice President will develop strategies and plans to sustain top-tier performance and improve costs through the utilization of metrics, process management, continuous improvement, and value stream mapping. This hands-on leader will collaborate with key stakeholders, facilitate complex projects and responsibilities, and demonstrate a balanced approach to planning and responsiveness. Emphasis on safety, quality, service, and productivity are top priorities. This position will report to the Chief Operating Officer but will have frequent contact with other Executives (CEO, CFO, other VPs) and key functional stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Operational execution of multiple distribution centers, optimize space utilization, and distribution network.
- Lead and manage a workforce consisting of full time and temporary employees.
- Ensuring operating conditions, processes and practices are performed safely and in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
- Utilize KPIs and tools to proactively manage labor, service, quality, and space.
- Strategic driver of identifying, improving and implementing processes to enhance performance, sustainability, and / or costs.
- Responsible for total inventory control and management to achieve internal inventory accuracy and enable customer order fulfillment accuracy.
- Actively participate in lease discussions, evaluations, and recommendations. Facilitate implementation of optimal distribution footprint to cost effectively meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Support new product launches and execution.
- Participate in the budgeting process (capital & operating expenses) and effectively administer, monitor, control and develop policies to achieve effective expense management and improvement.
- Provide distribution teammates with development and training required to ensure operational sustainability and provide opportunities for growth to top performers.
- Maintain good and effective employee communications and morale.
- Participate and lead key company projects as needed. i.e., systems implementations, acquisitions and applicable integrations, mitigation and prevention of customer chargebacks (fines, shortages, etc.), compliance projects, etc.
- Other areas of responsibility include management of returns and secondary operations – including but not limited to, light assembly, labeling, and customer promotions.
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of experience in distribution leadership roles with high levels of complexity (space, multiple locations (with a diverse geographical footprint), SKUs, employees).
- Order fulfillment to big-box and on-line retailers a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex change efforts and to drive results through collaboration, influence, persuasion, project management, and accountability.
- Demonstrated and proactive labor management (including multiple shift operations), planning, and development
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong intellectual capital paired with equally strong emotional intelligence and “servant leadership”.
- Experienced in project and program management disciplines and leading cross-functional teams.
- Assesses quickly with a track record of getting up to speed and adding immediate value to new situations.
- Exceptional ability to co-create and work collaboratively with various business leaders and other key stakeholders.
- Knowledge and utilization of distribution technology and automation methods – when and where to apply.
- Experience with network optimization studies a plus.
- Experience in six-sigma and/or Lean-based continuous improvement principles, methods, and tools and able to successfully support organizational development. Ability to identify root causes with supporting data and identify and implement countermeasures to fix and prevent such causes.
- Strong people and talent management orientation with proven ability to influence and motivate staff and connect with everyone to create a positive, accountable, and high-performance work environment.
- Prior experience working with private equity or in fast-paced mid-sized companies is a plus.
- Sound understanding of the broader functionality and design of ERP platforms and supporting applications
– WMS, MRP, TMS, etc.
o Experience with Infor and Elemica products or similar mid-market solutions a plus
Personal Profile & Cultural Fit
- High personal integrity.
- High commitment to results.
- Industrious and action oriented.
- Data driven, quantitative and analytical.“Board” level presence.
- High energy.
- Exceptional interpersonal and organizational communicator.
- Quick and fact-based decision maker.
- Collaborative partnership builder and team oriented.
- Systems and process thinker.
- Strong resiliency.
Education Requirement
- Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in business or engineering preferred. Advanced degree in business (MBA) or engineering preferred.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. These include to sit for extended periods of time, regularly stand and walk and have the manual dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and mouse.
Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- 401k Safe Harbor Plan with 3% Company contribution
- Generous PTO plans
- 10 paid company holidays per a calendar year
- Annual paid volunteer day for non-profit or charity of your choice
- Company provided life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability coverage.
- Off-site events to encourage team building
- Company performance based bonus plan
Homewerks Worldwide, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Salary Range: $150k-$225k
