Distribution Manager - Gastonia, NC

Company Overview: BWT Logistics is a leader in third-party logistics (3PL) and transportation, specializing in efficient warehousing and transportation solutions. With over 40 years of excellence, our Atlanta-based headquarters serves as the hub for operations that have garnered numerous industry accolades. We pride ourselves on a legacy of excellence and a future-focused mindset, driving success through cutting-edge technology and strategic global positioning.

Join us and contribute to a legacy where tradition meets innovation in the logistics landscape. Role Description: The Distribution Manager is a critical operational leader responsible for the efficient flow of inventory, order fulfillment, warehousing, and transportation activities. This role leads daily distribution performance, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, customer service, and continuous improvement while building a culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement.

The ideal candidate is an experienced leader in high-volume distribution or third-party logistics operations who can develop teams, strengthen customer relationships, improve service levels, control costs, and scale processes to support business growth. Essential Responsibilities: Lead daily distribution operations, including receiving, shipping, inventory control, order fulfillment, and customer-specific requirements.

Ensure inbound and outbound shipments are processed safely, accurately, and on time in accordance with customer expectations and performance standards. Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, reconciliations, root-cause analysis, and effective warehouse management system controls. Coordinate transportation activities with carriers, customers, and internal teams to support the efficient movement of freight.

Optimize warehouse productivity, labor utilization, space utilization, equipment usage, throughput, and operating costs. Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and operational best practices. Monitor and act on key performance indicators, including inventory and order accuracy, service levels, productivity, dock-to-stock time, on-time shipping, labor performance, and customer satisfaction.

Partner with customer service, transportation, inventory control, and operations teams to resolve issues and improve service delivery. Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, process discipline, and cost reduction. Manage workforce planning, staffing, scheduling, training, performance management, and employee development.

Coach and develop supervisors, team leads, and hourly associates to build a high-performing and accountable operation. Conduct daily operational reviews and shift meetings to align employees on priorities, expectations, customer requirements, and results. Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, company policies, customer standards, and applicable industry regulations.

Support customer onboarding, new business opportunities, and implementation of new or expanded operational processes. Maintain accountability for departmental budgets, labor costs, equipment utilization, and overall operating performance. Collaborate with executive leadership to establish and execute strategic goals and operational objectives.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field preferred. Five or more years of experience in distribution, warehousing, logistics, or supply chain operations. At least three years of leadership experience managing supervisors, team leads, and warehouse personnel.

Demonstrated experience in a third-party logistics or customer-driven distribution environment. Strong knowledge of inventory control, order fulfillment, transportation coordination, and warehouse operations. Proven ability to lead teams, improve operational performance, and execute continuous improvement initiatives.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience using KPIs and operational metrics to drive decisions. Working knowledge of warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, and inventory control processes. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office. Excellent communication, organization, leadership, and customer relationship management skills.

Forklift certification required. Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement experience preferred. Train-the-Trainer certification preferred.

Benefits

(after 90 days): Health, dental, and vision insurance. Ancillary coverage options. Paid Time Off (PTO). Company-paid holidays. Opportunities for career growth. Schedule: Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Flexibility required based on business demands. Equal Employment Opportunity: BWT Logistics and its subsidiaries are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.