About Us:
Founded in 1979, Karen Kane is a family-run women’s apparel brand based in Los Angeles, inspired by effortless California style and a commitment to craftsmanship, comfort, and community. Nearly five decades later, our mission remains the same: to create clothing that makes women feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful — while doing right by the people and planet around us.
About the Role:
We’re looking for a proven, hands-on Director of Warehouse & Logistics to lead our distribution, fulfillment, and logistics operations across wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. This role is critical to ensuring we scale intelligently — improving speed, accuracy, cost control, and service levels while supporting both our wholesale partners and our growing ecommerce business. The ideal candidate is equal parts strategist and doer: someone who can see the big picture yet understands that details make all the difference.
This position reports directly to executive leadership and plays a key role in shaping the operational backbone of the company.
Key Responsibilities:
Shipping & Warehouse Operations
- Oversee wholesale (major stores + specialty) and DTC fulfillment operations
- Implement KPIs to improve order accuracy, on-time shipping, productivity, and inventory accuracy
- Direct reports include: Shipping Manager, Imports & Receiving Team
- Optimize layout, labor planning, and workflow efficiency
- Ensure accurate staging, labeling, and timely delivery of customer orders.
- Maintain compliance with company SOPs and ensure warehouse safety and productivity standards are consistently met.
- Optimize inventory flow and material handling processes to increase speed and accuracy while reducing costs.
- Evaluate carrier performance and resolve logistics or transportation issues proactively.
Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and manage departmental budgets, KPIs, and performance metrics.
- Manage inbound freight from domestic vendors and international factories.
- Negotiate freight rates and manage carrier relationships.
- Reduce chargebacks and improve routing guide compliance.
- Monitor freight spend and drive cost-saving initiatives.
- Lead operational initiatives that strengthen efficiency, scalability, and overall business performance.
- Establish accountability through clear KPIs and performance metrics.
- Create a culture of ownership, urgency, and collaboration.
- Partner cross-functionally with Customer Service, Sales, Production, Ecommerce, and Accounting.
Projects & Technology
- Partner with IT and Ecommerce teams to optimize WMS, EDI, and shipping platforms
- Improve visibility across inventory, order flow, and shipping performance
- Implement scalable systems to support growth
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in apparel production, operations, or supply chain management (including at least 2 in a leadership capacity).
- Understanding of both domestic and offshore manufacturing, quality assurance, and logistics.
- Proven ability to manage complex calendars, vendor relationships, and large-scale deliveries.
- Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
- Experience with ERP systems (AS400 and Oracle NetSuite a plus).
Who You Are:
You’re a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who finds purpose in precision and takes pride in process. You balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and care deeply about quality — both in the product and in the people you lead. You thrive in an environment that values integrity, teamwork, and craftsmanship, and you’re excited to help a California heritage brand continue to evolve with purpose and excellence.
We believe in taking care of our team, and we strive to offer a benefits package that supports well-being, security, and work-life balance. Benefits may include:
- Competitive salary + performance-based bonus
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick days, company holidays)
- Parental leave and family-friendly policies
- Employee discounts on Karen Kane merchandise
- Professional development opportunities & continuing education support
- Wellness programs and benefits (e.g. fitness reimbursement, mental health resources)
- Hybrid work flexibility (onsite + remote)
- A values-driven work culture — with a focus on sustainability, craftsmanship, and collaboration