Director - DC Operations

POSITION TITLE:                Director – DC Operations 

REPORTS TO:                      VP – Global Distribution Operations  

DIRECT REPORTS:              DC Leadership Team - 4 Operations Managers

 

POSITION SUMMARY / PURPOSE:

As the Director of DC Operations, you will oversee the effective flow of merchandise to over 81 countries and 1,000+ stores within a large, Omni-Channel Distribution Center. Your position has leadership of and accountability for the operational, people, quality, safety and fiscal requirements of Order Fulfillment, Replenishment, Receiving, Shipping, Reverse Logistics, Customer Returns and support functions for all brands. You will work closely an collaboratively with the Supply Chain Leadership Team and various supply chain functions including the Supply Chain Strategy, Planning and Execution function to improve speed, cost and service. In addition, you will inspire your team and lead efforts to deliver sound operational results; exceeding customer expectations, delivering innovation and developing a talented team.

 

Your responsibilities include:

Leadership, Talent & Culture

• Exhibiting leadership qualities to move the business forward through the collective talents and efforts of self and others
• In partnership with the VP of Global Distribution Operations and the Supply Chain Strategy function, setting the vision, strategy, priority and pace for the team – adjusting course based on the needs of the business/campus as well as the talent, tools and incoming attitudes of the workforce
• Communicating clear goals/expectations and standards on an on-going basis including varying levels of communication for direct reports, support teams, associates, cross-functional teams and executive level updates
• Empowering team members to deliver results against established goals and priorities, while creating an environment where everyone can do their best work
• Ensuring that the DC is culturally representative of the AEO employment brand, participating and supporting AEO-community initiatives that enhance and maintain our “Employer of Choice” status
• Investing in training and development for teams and associates to grow internal talent pools and creating healthy succession pipelines

Innovation & Operational Excellence

• Ensuring the DC operates with industry best practices in the areas of Innovation, Efficiency, Customer Service/Service Level, Quality, People, & Safety
• Collaborating with key partners to oversee the creation of annual plans; operational budget, capital budget, BC/DR plans, site goal plans, headcount and DC labor plan, etc.
• Continuously improving the operation, driving innovation via industry benchmarking, including the utilization of new technology and automation with effective utilization of capital and return on investment
• Leveraging intelligent production performance standards and quality goals in order to foster the achievement of team/Company results
• Planning, implementing and supporting strategies that ensure the effective processing of seasonal / peak fluctuations, achieving the best use of human capital and labor cost
• Leveraging awareness/knowledge of how material handling and DC software interact with one another to effectively move product through the facility
• Ensuring operational alignment with the deliverables of site supports functions (Procurement, HR, Inventory Integrity, IT, LP & Facilities/Maintenance)
• In partnership with the VP of Global Distribution Operations, providing tactical support for Maintenance/Facilities on all related on-going processes, short and long-term projects and daily operations.
• Responsible for the security and safety of all teams, product and Company property/equipment by supporting the initiatives of the AEO LP, Safety & Maintenance teams.
• Fostering and maintaining a collaborative, productive relationship with Operations Excellence, Production Planning and third party integrators and vendors; trouble shooting, brainstorming and arriving at the solutions of the future.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to scale in a fast paced environment where functioning autonomously and in collaboration with others are critical;
• Strong business acumen and relentless focus on the customer;
• Individuals who are strategic, innovative, logical, objective, a people developer, a relationship builder, and a team player. Individuals who welcome and can match pace in an entrepreneurial, highly fluid, ever changing environment;
• Superb communication skills with the ability to influence at various levels within the organization;
• Coaching skills to help enable our leaders to continuously improve their leadership capabilities;
• Articulate with a high level of business acumen; Strong command skills and executive presence; Comfort engaging with senior level executives in a polished and professional manner;
• Combines tenacity with tact, knowing when to apply more pressure and when to give in;
• Self-assured, not easily thrown, able to think on their feet; Outgoing and gregarious, enjoys interacting with a variety of people; Curious; and a demonstrated track record of being a life-long learner.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors’ Degree in Business Management/Supply Chain/Engineering or equivalent, Master’s Degree preferred;
• Previous management experience in both direct to consumer, retail, OMNI-channel environments preferred;
• Ability to manage multiple strategic business priorities concurrently;
• 10 – 15 years progressive leadership experience in a production/processing/retail environment or equivalent; Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to travel as necessary