Operations Manager

Operations Manager Job Description

Harbor Logistics

About the Position

The Operations Manager oversees daily warehouse activities to meet safety, service, quality, and productivity goals. This role leads supervisors and associates, coordinates labor and workflow, resolves operational issues, and supports continuous improvement. The Operations Manager works with site leadership to carry out operating plans and maintain strong customer relationships in line with Harbor Logistics Core Values.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, inventory movement, order fulfillment, and shipping, in accordance with established procedures and customer requirements.

• Set shift priorities, assign work, and adjust staffing and resources to meet changing volumes, deadlines, and service commitments.

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly associates; provide regular feedback, address performance concerns, and promote teamwork and accountability.

• Reinforce safe work practices and ensure associates follow company policies, site procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements; promptly address hazards and incidents with the appropriate partners.

• Monitor key performance indicators, including safety, quality, throughput, labor productivity, inventory accuracy, and on-time performance; identify gaps and implement corrective actions.

• Review daily workload, capacity, and labor data and recommend practical changes to improve flow, service, and cost control.

• Support Lean practices such as 5S, Gemba walks, root cause analysis, and employee suggestions; lead improvements within the assigned operation.

• Communicate operational status, service risks, and improvement plans to site leadership, customers, and internal partners; follow through on issues and commitments.

• Partner with inventory, transportation, safety, HR, and customer service teams to resolve problems and maintain smooth handoffs across functions.

• Support site planning, budgets, and customer initiatives by providing operational input and carrying out approved plans.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in logistics, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent warehouse or distribution experience considered.

• Several years of progressively responsible warehouse or distribution experience, including experience supervising a team.

• Demonstrated ability to plan labor, coordinate daily workflows, coach employees, and manage performance in a fast-paced operation.

• Working knowledge of warehouse safety, inventory controls, service standards, and operational metrics.

• Experience with warehouse management or labor management systems preferred.

• Familiarity with Lean or continuous improvement tools preferred; Six Sigma certification is not required.

• Proficiency in Excel, Outlook, and common reporting tools; ability to interpret operating data and communicate clear findings.

• Ability to prioritize competing needs, respond to operational changes, and meet deadlines.

• Must be able to operate a forklift.

Core Competencies

• Operational execution — Organizes people and work to meet daily commitments while maintaining safety and quality.

• People leadership — Sets clear expectations, coaches employees, handles conflict fairly, and builds a productive team.

• Problem solving — Uses facts and frontline input to identify causes, take action, and verify results.

• Communication — Shares priorities, performance, and issues clearly with associates, site leaders, customers, and partners.

• Continuous improvement — Looks for practical ways to reduce waste and improve service and workflow.

• Adaptability — Adjusts plans as volume, staffing, and customer needs change.