High Bay Freezer Distribution Center Manager - Moses Lake, WA (Columbia Basin Facility)

Summary

Direct responsibility for the operation of a new state of the art automated high bay (ASRS) freezer supporting plant manufacturing and servicing customer sales demand. Determination of policies, recommendations and operating practices necessary to develop strategies in support of Company manufacturing and customer sales requirements, and the timely identification and resolution of nonconforming situations. Additionally, this position is responsible for leading the development of systems, processes, and warehouse infrastructure necessary to ensure cost competitiveness. This position is responsible for handling in excess of 2 billion pounds of finished products annually representing over 1300 different sku’s, distributing over a network of around 30 third party warehouses and overseeing staffing of over 65 salaried and hourly employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the operation of an automated high bay freezer and a separate conventional temperature-controlled freezer for production and customer support. Freezers operates 24/7.
• Coordinate the deployment of inventory into/from local public warehouse and associated Simplot facilities and provide the necessary product loading and handling.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of warehousing and production that supports Global Food goals and assist various team members when necessary to support projects at all levels of the organization.
• Lead the development and execution of goals related to order fulfillment, production support, product redistribution, and warehouse staff development.
• Implement logistics processes that improve distribution center responsiveness, lead times, and value‑added customer services.
• Work with cross functional teams to enhance warehouse information systems effectiveness and training, data accuracy, reliability, product rotation procedures, packaging integrity, and material handling systems, using necessary warehouse staff where applicable.
• Ensure safe and compliant warehouse operation aligned with federal, state, local, and industry regulations.
• Champion and implement efforts to provide a safe, sanitary workplace for personnel and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as all adopted industry guidelines.
• Champion workplace safety, sanitation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement through participation in the development of action plans, problem solving, engineering and /or equipment changes, safety, quality, cost improvements, and open innovation with other warehouses.
• Educate the workforce about the competitiveness of the industry.

Typical Education

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from 4-year college or university

Relevant Experience

• 10+ years related experience and/or training
• Distribution Center Management experience a plus
• Good knowledge of computer systems and other technology
• MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Other Information

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to lift, stand, walk, twist, bend over or stoop, and crawl on hard surface.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit while operating a forklift.
• The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• This position will involve working from heights and the use of fall protection equipment. Such equipment is designed for a worker to weigh (including gear) more than 120 lbs., but no more than 400 lbs.
• Must be able to climb up to 13 flights of stairs within the High-Bay Freezer
• Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts.
• The employee frequently works in high, precarious places and is frequently exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Ability to work in refrigerated and frozen environments. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• Ability to work in enclosed, tight spaces.

Language Skills: 

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. 
• Ability to write correspondences and to effectively communicate information in one-on-one settings and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization in a professional manner.