The posting
Overview: The Vice President of Distribution Center Operations will lead the product distribution strategy and drive an economically competitive operation that delivers both best-in-class customer experience and distribution cost advantages across all facilities supporting Vestis Rental and Direct Sale customers. This leader will influence and reinforce a portfolio of core values and accountability standards centered on safety, workforce engagement, customer experience, operational efficiency, and innovative solutions that support business goals. This role is responsible for deploying strategies and actionable plans that deliver measurable performance improvement. The Vice President will promote data-driven performance visibility, real-time corrective action, and strong cross-functional collaboration. This leader will work effectively with business partners to identify, address, and resolve operational issues. This role will set goals and oversee key metrics related to customer fill rates, customer satisfaction, footprint utilization, inventory management, optimization and total DC cost along with other key measures tied to Distribution Center Operations. Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Set and deliver the overall vision and distribution strategy for national and international distribution centers to ensure end-to-end customer needs are met at the lowest possible cost. Lead a high-performing team of supply chain practitioners, with direct and indirect responsibility for an organization of more than 600 employees. Partner with Human Resources to design and implement workforce strategies for each distribution center location. Define objectives, establish key performance metrics, and create a regular review cadence across safety, quality, fill rate, customer satisfaction, inventory management, budget performance, and other critical operating areas. Implement metrics, processes, and operating routines that drive accountability and ensure results. Improve costs year over year through disciplined operational execution and continuous improvement. Drive performance improvement through the use of continuous improvement methodology. Build strong cross-functional partnerships to identify, escalate, and resolve operational issues and improvement opportunities. Set the strategic direction and oversee major projects across national and international locations, including distribution center layout changes, equipment needs, space utilization, capital expenses, major repairs, and related operational requirements. Manage domestic and international direct and indirect reporting teams to ensure processes and procedures are consistent across all facilities. Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with DC Operations and Direct Sale Finance Teams and Sales Leadership. Stay current on information, technology, and trends affecting functional areas; promote innovation and make appropriate recommendations to executive leadership. Set the overall strategy for operational performance planning to drive quality standards and efficiency. Oversee and monitor safety and security in accordance with national and international requirements for facilities and employees. Ensure proper training and adherence to company requirements. Drive employment decisions and recommendations, including hiring, retention, improvement plans, transfers, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, and pay adjustments. Manage employee performance and support improvement through coaching, mentoring, and formal performance reviews. Recommend, plan, and implement employee training and skill development activities. Lead communication on company and departmental issues, priorities, and goals. Provide oversight of employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular one-on-one meetings, coaching, performance management, training, and company-sponsored learning opportunities.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Demonstrated understanding of technical issues within a global distribution framework. Strong project leadership and cross-functional leadership experience. Ability to think, plan, and execute strategically. Ability to influence and build consensus with executive leadership. Comfortable operating in ambiguity. Decisive and persuasive, with a strong sense of urgency and a proven ability to drive results. Strong organizational skills. Excellent analytical skills and technical capabilities. Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both nationally and internationally.
Working Environment/Safety Requirements:
Role is based in Lawrenceville, GA. Requires up to 50% travel across the U.S. and Canada. Work includes distribution center, plant, and office environments, including corporate office interaction in Roswell, GA. Must comply with all company safety, security, and site-specific requirements.
Experience/Qualifications:
15 years of experience leading a large workforce in a high-volume, fast-paced global distribution or manufacturing network. Bachelor’s degree business, supply chain operations or a related field required; MBA preferred. Recognized thought leader and expert within business, supply chain, logistics, and/or global distribution disciplines. Experience developing, implementing, and delivering long-term distribution and supply chain strategies. Deep understanding of the work apparel business, including financials, products, services, and market dynamics. Technologically adept, with the ability to envision and oversee the implementation of technology-based solutions.
