Careers within the Blackhorn Network

Blackhorn has an expansive network of innovative companies that are driving resource efficiency and decarbonization across energy, transportation & logistics, and built environment sectors. Explore the career opportunities below. If you'd like to stay connected on future opportunities not listed below, please reach out to our team (will@blackhornvc.com).
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Sr. Distribution Lead

Sway

Sway

Operations
United States
Posted on Oct 10, 2024
Sway is a fast-growing, LA-based technology and logistics startup that enables consumers to return online purchases without leaving their home. Our mission is to make online shopping more enjoyable by providing a return experience that’s as seamless as the purchase. We combine technology and logistics to provide a white-glove service for consumers -- no more printing, boxes and tape! If you want to join an innovative team that is tackling an area of e-commerce that has been left out to dry, this is the place for you.

The Sr. Distribution Lead will lead and manage warehouse operations to ensure efficient distribution processes and meet key performance indicators (KPIs). This role involves supervising staff, optimizing workflows, and ensuring timely, cost-effective, and high-quality distribution of products. The ideal candidate will have experience in warehouse management, staff supervision, and process improvement to drive operational success.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Labor and Staffing Management:
    • Manage and optimize distribution labor hours by scheduling staffing based on operational needs and volume fluctuations
    • Hold employees accountable for shift adherence and punctuality, ensuring that staffing is aligned with distribution goals
  • Sort Process & Cost Efficiency:
    • Develop and execute an agile staffing plan to dynamically adjust to changing volume levels
    • Oversee the distribution sort process, ensuring it runs efficiently to maintain a low cost per package
  • Labor Productivity:
    • Monitor and improve distribution packages sorted per labor hour by setting clear performance expectations and holding employees accountable
    • Drive continuous improvement within warehouse processes and employee performance to boost efficiency
  • Service Level Agreements (SLAs):
    • Ensure timely and accurate execution of MM lane launches, ensuring all warehouse operations align with service level agreements
    • Coordinate the distribution sort process to maximize efficiency and streamline operations within the MM network
    • Quality Control:
      • Hold employees accountable for missort mistakes, ensuring a focus on accuracy and performance
      • Maintain high standards for distribution quality, ensuring timestamp mapping and package tracking are 100% accurate
    Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

    • Distribution Labor Hours: Efficient use of staff and resources to meet operational demands
    • Distribution Sort Cost per Package: Maintaining cost-effective distribution by optimizing labor and sort processes
    • Distribution Packages Sorted per Labor Hour: Increasing efficiency by improving package throughput per employee
    • MM Launch SLAs: Ensuring timely delivery and departure of MM lanes to meet service expectations
    • % of Missorts: Minimizing errors and ensuring accuracy in package distribution

    Qualifications:

    • Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within warehouse or distribution operations
    • Strong leadership skills with the ability to hold team members accountable and improve performance
    • Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
    • Ability to develop and execute staffing and workflow plans to adapt to changing volumes
    • Knowledge of warehouse management systems and process improvement methodologies

    Key Competencies:

    • Leadership: Ability to lead teams effectively, set expectations, and hold staff accountable
    • Problem-Solving: Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions to improve productivity
    • Communication: Strong communication skills to manage staff and ensure all operations run smoothly
    • Attention to Detail: A focus on accuracy and quality in all aspects of distribution operations

    Work Environment:

    • This role is based in a warehouse setting and may involve standing for long periods, lifting, and moving packages. Flexibility with shift work may be required based on operational demands

    Requirements

    • Proven work experience as a Sr. Distribution Lead or Supervisor
    • Expertise in warehouse procedures and best practices
    • Proven ability to implement process improvement initiatives
    • Hands on experience with warehouse software and databases
    • Leadership skills and ability manage hourly staff
    • Strong decision making and problem solving skills
    • Excellent communication skills

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Solid understanding/background from last mile operations is highly appreciated
    • Previous experience leading programs or projects end to end
    • BS degree strongly preferred

    Benefits

    You'll be excited to join the team because we have:

    • The opportunity to join the ground floor of a fast-paced startup!
    • Training & development
    • A fun and engaging work environment

    The Sway Way:

    Bring on the Storm

    Every Package Matters

    Trust your Numbers

    Seek Responsibility

    Low Ego, High Ambition

    Job Type:

    Full-Time

    Salary - $66,560 - Yearly