Director Warehouse Operations - Automation

In this unique role the Director of Warehouse Operations will be responsible for the first highly automated warehouse facility to be located in New Castle, DE. The ideal candidate will work with National Supply Chain Management to learn and support the development of the automated processes, collaborate on key timeline deliverables, and develop key operational processes for the facility. The candidate should have an interest and/or experience in automation and technology with an understanding of effective leadership of a warehouse operations team.

Position Type: Full-Time
Starting Salary: $227,250
Salary Increases: Year 2 - $244,000 | Year 3 - $266,750 | Year 4 - $298,000
Temporary Work Location: To Be Communicated
Future Work Location: Delaware (Philadelphia Metro)
This role is eligible to participate in ALDI’s Hybrid Work Program, which allows remote work up to 1 days per week (i.e., work remotely up to 1 days per week; work in-office at least 4 day per week).

Duties and Responsibilities:
Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• May be required to perform other related WH Operations duties as instructed.
• Develop a comprehensive strategy for transitioning the warehouse operations from manual to highly automated processes.
• Collaborate with senior management to align the automation plan with overall business objectives and goals.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including IT, supply chain, and real estate, to coordinate the various aspects of the transition.
• Develop and execute a change management plan to facilitate a smooth transition for warehouse staff from current operations to future operations
• Provide training programs to educate employees on the new automated systems and processes.
• Is responsible for the successful coordination of the service and maintenance obligations of the vendor to minimize operational impact and ensure smooth day to day operating conditions.
• Is responsible for establishing a professional and reliable relationship with the selected vendor to optimize system performance and ensure best in class operations.
• Oversees product receiving, storage and shipping to ensure proper quality and quantity that meets established guidelines.
• Ensures proper delivery schedule and service are provided to stores.
• Ensures proper receiving and shipping schedules to optimize inbound freight.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of policies and procedures to minimize inventory loss.
• Informs National Supply Chain Management of excessive or extreme inventory levels.
• Oversees and manages warehouse operations to assure excellence in maintenance, safety and sanitation.
• Oversees and directs the maintenance of building, grounds and equipment within their purview.
• Administers and oversees the ALDI ergonomics program.
• Collaborate with legal and safety teams to address compliance issues and create and maintain a safe working environment
• Ensures employee adherence to established safety guidelines.
• Ensures warehouse complies with federal, state and local regulations.
• Monitors and oversees operational conditions, equipment and job responsibilities to maintain a safe environment for all employees.
• Assures compliance with established operating policies and procedures within the division; makes recommendations to Vice President Division regarding changes to improve operating policies and procedures.              
• Oversees the services provided by dedicated carriers and resolves service issues.
• Provides feedback to National Supply Chain Management and carrier management in order to ensure desired service.
• Provides divisional feedback and suggestions for carrier contract negotiations and performance supervision.
• Cooperates and interacts effectively through ongoing communication and exchange of information. 
• Cooperatively works with divisional and national departments and communicates relevant information allowing them to fulfill their duties. 
• Establish a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and ideas from warehouse staff to enhance automated processes.
• Prepares and provides input to National Committees to allow for proper decision-making. 
• Monitors and manages controllable expenses.
• Oversees the achievement of both warehouse productivity and inventory results; assures results achieved are within divisional budget.
• Utilize data analytics to monitor and optimize warehouse performance, identifying areas for continuous improvement.
• Implement data-driven decision-making processes to enhance overall operational efficiency.
• Approves warehouse expenditures within established guidelines.
• Develops and implements operational plans to achieve goals and budgets.
• Conducts annual performance evaluations of Warehouse Operations Managers.
• Plans and conducts regularly scheduled Warehouse Operations Manager meetings.
• Negotiates and manages divisional warehouse property, equipment and repair/maintenance contracts within their purview
• Assesses and establishes appropriate staffing levels; manages the recruitment, selection, training, development and performance of personnel to retain a motivated and professional workforce. 
• Understands the overarching company strategy while communicating and modeling the core values of the organization to create a proper work environment and sense of teamwork among personnel. 
• Establishes and communicates job responsibilities and performance expectations to assure desired results. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Job-specific Competencies:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Consistently demonstrates the ALDI Acts Competencies as outlined for the role.
• Ability to develop rapport, trust, and open communication that enhances the growth and performance of direct reports. 
• Manage relationships with automation technology suppliers and maintain service-level agreements.
• Ability to facilitate group involvement when conducting meetings. 
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external parties. 
• Ability to recommend, interpret, and apply ALDI operating policies and procedures. 
• Problem-solving skills. 
• Conflict management skills. 
• Negotiation skills.
• Understands the history, strategy, organizational authority, interdependence of job duties, products, systems, and services of the company.
• Ability to plan for and use funds to maximize the value of the financial resources of the organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Prepares written materials to meet purpose and audience.
• Ability to stay organized and multi-task in a professional and efficient manner.
• Effective time and resource management; maximizes productivity.
• Gives attention to detail and follows instructions. 
• Establishes goals and works toward achievement.
• Ability to apply policies, systems and procedures to coordinate the human resources within the division relating to recruitment, selection, training, development, motivation, retention and separation.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Work may be performed in an office, remote office or a combination of both where a computer and office equipment may be used as needed to perform duties.
• Regularly required to sit, reach, grasp, stand and move from one area to another.
• Constantly and repeatedly use keyboard/mouse.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, bend, lift and move up to 25 lbs. 
• Regularly required to walk through and tour the warehouse.
• Regularly required to operate vehicle.

Travel:

• 0-20% 
• Travel to training experiences and meetings within the company may be necessary.

ALDI offers competitive wages and benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan
• Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• PerkSpot National Discount Program

In addition, eligible employees are offered:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Generous Vacation Time & 7 Paid Holidays
• Up to 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave at 100% of pay
• Up to 2 Weeks Paid Caregiver Leave at 100% of pay
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance

ALDI is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected characteristic. Employment may be contingent upon ALDI's receipt of an acceptable and job-related drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.