Job Title: Distribution Manager 

Department: Transportation & Logistics

Reports To: Director of Transportation & Logistics 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Travel: Up to 50%

Job Summary

The Distribution Manager is responsible for overseeing all distribution operations within a packaging manufacturing environment, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and timely movement of finished goods from production facilities to customers and distribution centers. This role leads warehouse and distribution teams, optimizes logistics processes, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The Distribution Manager plays a key role in supporting customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Distribution & Logistics Operations

• Manage daily distribution operations, including shipping, receiving, storage, and inventory control
• Coordinate outbound shipments to ensure on-time, accurate deliveries to customers and internal facilities
• Partner with Transportation to align shipping schedules, carrier selection, and route optimization
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, order accuracy, and freight cost

Warehouse Management

• Oversee warehouse layout, space utilization, and material flow to maximize efficiency
• Ensure proper handling and storage of packaging materials and finished goods
• Maintain accurate inventory levels through cycle counts, audits, and system controls
• Implement and enforce FIFO/FEFO practices where applicable

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop distribution and warehouse personnel, including supervisors and hourly staff
• Establish performance expectations and conduct regular performance evaluations
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement
• Support staffing, training, and succession planning efforts

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and company safety policies
• Lead safety initiatives, audits, and incident investigations
• Maintain compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations specific to manufacturing and distribution
• Promote safe equipment operation (forklifts, conveyors, etc.)

Process Improvement & Cost Management

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs
• Analyze distribution data to optimize labor, inventory flow, and transportation spend
• Support Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement initiatives
• Manage distribution-related budgets and control operating expenses

Systems & Reporting

• Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP systems, and transportation management tools
• Generate and analyze reports related to inventory, performance, and operational metrics
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity across systems

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Production, Customer Service, Procurement, and Sales to align distribution priorities to customers’ requirements
• Support new product launches and changes in packaging or distribution requirements
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including third-party logistics providers

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education Requirement/Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 5–8+ years of experience in distribution, warehouse, or logistics operations within a manufacturing environment
• Experience in packaging, paper, plastics, or related industry preferred
• Prior leadership experience managing supervisors and hourly teams required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of distribution operations and inventory control
• Familiarity with WMS, ERP systems, and logistics software
• Proven ability to analyze data and drive process improvements
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment
• Solid understanding of safety regulations and compliance standards

Core Values 

Our core values define how we work and what we expect from every associate. The ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate these values in performing the responsibilities of this role. Each core value represents essential behaviors and competencies aligned with the duties and qualifications of the position.

• Accountability – We take full responsibility for our actions and outcomes, ensuring transparency and trust with our stakeholders, customers, associates, and the environment. Competencies: Problem Solving, Decision Making, Planning & Organizing, Resilience, Time Management/Prioritization and Learning Agility
• Innovation – We champion creativity and collaboration, continually striving to deliver groundbreaking solutions that transform our industry and exceed expectations. Competencies: Creativity & Curiosity, Continuous Improvement, Vision & Strategic Thinking, and Collaboration & Teamwork
• Integrity – We uphold the highest ethical standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in every decision and action, fostering trust at all levels in our organization. Competencies: Honesty, Consistency & Dependability and Commitment to Excellence
• Adaptability – We embrace change agility and resilience, staying flexible and proactive in a constantly evolving world. Competencies: Communication, Results Oriented and Flexibility
• Caring – We prioritize the well-being of our people, communities, and business partners, recognizing that their success and happiness are vital to our own. Competencies: Organizational Savvy, Risk Management, Compliance, Diversity, and Empathy
• Passion – We are driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, demonstrating determination to succeed while maintaining humility and respect for others. Competencies: Commitment, Persistence & Tenacity, Humility and Respect

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is typical of most manufacturing environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high level with ear protection required. The employee will be exposed to manufacturing and distribution floor conditions (noise, moving equipment, varying temperatures)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to a particular position. This document in no way states or implies that this is as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required and personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from, any section of this document as it deems, in its judgment, to be proper.

#LI-MR1