Distribution Center Supervisor

Distribution Center SupervisorThe Distribution Center Supervisor leads day-to-day warehouse operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity (SQDCP) objectives. This role directs hourly teammates across receiving, put-away, picking, packing, labeling, staging, and shipping; ensures accurate SAP transactions and inventory integrity; and supports on-time, error-free delivery to aftermarket, commercial vehicle, and automotive OEM customers. The Supervisor serves as the primary floor leader, partners closely with the DC Manager and cross-functional teams, and drives a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Safety and EnvironmentalPromote and model a positive, accountable safety culture; ensure teammates follow all safety rules, PPE requirements, and safe work practices.
Conduct and document safety observations, job safety analysis (JSA) reviews, and PPE assessments.
Ensure powered industrial truck (forklift) operators are trained, certified, and complete pre-shift inspections.
Investigate incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions; implement and verify corrective actions.
Maintain emergency preparedness, including evacuation routes, fire extinguisher access, and clear aisles, and support drills such as Disaster Day exercises.
Support environmental management system requirements, including waste segregation, recycling, and ISO 14001 compliance.
Leadership and Teammate DevelopmentSupervise, schedule, and assign work to hourly teammates and Team Leads to meet daily shipping and receiving requirements.
Lead daily start-up and tier meetings to communicate priorities, safety topics, performance results, and customer requirements.
Train, coach, and cross-train teammates using standard work and point-of-use work instructions; maintain training records and skills matrices.
Identify and develop high-potential teammates and Team Lead candidates, including use of available learning resources such as LinkedIn Learning.
Administer attendance, timekeeping, and work rules fairly and consistently; address performance and conduct issues in partnership with Human Resources.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, and individual improvement plan (IIP) reviews for direct reports.
Warehouse OperationsDirect receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, packing, billing, staging, loading, and shipping activities.
Coordinate inbound and outbound shipments to meet customer schedules, carrier pickups, and automotive delivery windows.
Ensure correct customer-specific packaging, returnable containers, pallet build, stacking, and load securement to prevent damage and pallet collapse.
Verify accurate shipping labels, packing lists, bills of lading, and advance ship notices (ASN) before product leaves the dock.
Manage dock and staging areas to maintain organization, traceability, and proper label placement.
Balance labor and equipment to respond to volume peaks, expedites, specials, and OE, commercial vehicle, automotive, and international orders.
Maintain warehouse equipment and facilities in good working condition and coordinate repairs with maintenance.
Inventory Control and SAPEnsure accurate and timely SAP transactions, including goods receipts, transfer orders, handling units, deliveries, and goods issues.
Lead the cycle count program; research and resolve inventory discrepancies and process inventory adjustments according to financial controls.
Maintain FIFO, bin location accuracy, and barcode labeling of storage locations.
Track customer returnable packaging balances and ensure accurate reporting and follow-up.
Support SAP and warehouse system improvements, including scan-based picking, delivery grouping, and validation enhancements.
Quality and ComplianceEnsure compliance with the Quality Management System and customer-specific requirements, including automotive OEM labeling and packaging standards.
Conduct order accuracy audits and verification checks to prevent pick, pack, label, and shipment quantity errors.
Lead or support containment and root cause investigations for customer complaints and internal nonconformances using 5 Why, 8D, and Is/Is Not methods.
Support PFMEA and control plan updates, corrective and preventive actions, and verification of effectiveness.
Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits; maintain document control for work instructions and visual standards.
Performance Management and Continuous ImprovementMonitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time shipment, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, productivity, and safety.
Maintain the SQD board and visual management tools; communicate performance trends and action plans.
Lead 5S, lean, and waste-reduction activities, including regular 5S audits.
Identify and implement improvements to pick strategy, receiving and put-away flow, carton and packing material selection, and workplace layout.
Lead or participate in cross-functional continuous improvement projects.
Communication and CollaborationPartner with Customer