The Role
Lead the launch and ongoing operations of a $40 million automated omnichannel distribution center. Responsibilities include facility setup, automation integration, leadership hiring, workforce engagement, fulfillment and reverse logistics, SLA and cost performance, safety, P&L management, budgeting, labor modeling, expansion planning, and continuous improvement. The role manages Operations Managers and up to 175 associates across four shifts while partnering with HR, IT, maintenance, engineering, and vendors.
Summary Generated by Built In
POSITION TITLE: Director – DC Operations
DIRECT REPORTS: Manages a team of Operations Managers and up to 175 total associates across 4 shifts
Get to Know the Role:
Lead the operational, financial and cultural launch of a $40M, state-of-the-art automated Omni-Channel Distribution Center. As a greenfield startup, you will directly participate in building setup, systems installation, local leadership hiring and strategic site decisions. Once live, this facility will join AEO’s North American network—which processes 65,000 orders daily and serves 1,000+ stores across 81 countries—holding full P&L and operational accountability for all fulfillment, reverse logistics and support functions.
This role demands a visible, culture-first leader who thrives in a startup environment, driving success through frontline engagement, strong team delegation and maximum utilization of advanced automation to hit SLA and cost targets.
What You’ll Do:
Startup Strategy & Site Launch
- Direct the site startup phase, overseeing facility setup, installation and integration of automated systems and local operational strategy
- Recruit, hire and onboard a cohesive leadership team and foundational support staff to drive site readiness
- Make critical, localized decisions on site policies, workflows and vendor partnerships to ensure a seamless launch
People Leadership & Engagement
- Serve as the visible site leader, prioritizing daily frontline engagement from day one to establish retention, morale and performance
- Mentor your leadership team, delegating authority to empower managers to make decisions and solve operational challenges independently
- Communicate clear site strategy, set shift priorities and cultivate an "Employer of Choice" culture across all shifts
Operational Excellence & Automation
- Lead operations across a highly automated facility, maximizing material handling technology to hit speed and efficiency goals post-launch
- Support peak staffing, workflow execution and support function alignment (HR, LP, IT, Maintenance) to consistently meet or exceed SLAs and Cost Per Unit (CPU) targets
- Maintain a safe, secure and respectful working environment across the site
Fiscal Responsibility & Strategy
- Manage the site P&L and operational budget to achieve cost targets and maximize ROI on the $40M facility investment
- Develop long-term labor models, site expansion plans and continuous improvement strategies alongside vendor and engineering partners
What You Bring:
- Leadership Style: People-first, visible and adaptable. Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, build teams and hold leaders accountable
- Experience: 10–15 years of progressive leadership in large-scale retail, DTC or Omni-Channel distribution centers, including startup or greenfield facility launch experience
- Technical Mastery: Hands-on experience overseeing site automation installations and directing operations within modern, highly automated facilities; deep expertise in SLA delivery and production flow
- Financial & Strategic Acumen: Proven track record managing $50M+ operating budgets and major capital investments
- Education & Travel: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or equivalent experience; Willingness to travel as needed
Perks: Why You’ll Love it Here
- Generous Associate Discount: Treat yourself to the best our brands offer!
- Casual Dress Code: Come as you are (and stay comfy)
- Company Events: Exciting company-wide events you won’t want to miss!
Pay/Benefits Information:
- Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location
- Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits
- Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here
- AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion
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About Us Get to Know AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.
At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO
We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives here.
AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.
Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.
Skills Required
- 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale retail, direct-to-consumer, or omnichannel distribution centers
- Experience launching a startup or greenfield distribution facility
- Hands-on experience overseeing site automation installations
- Experience directing operations in modern, highly automated facilities
- Deep expertise in service-level agreement delivery and production flow
- Proven ability to manage operating budgets of $50 million or more
- Experience managing major capital investments
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Ability to build teams, hold leaders accountable, and thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
- Willingness to travel as needed
American Eagle Outfitters Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about American Eagle Outfitters and has not been reviewed or approved by American Eagle Outfitters.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, prescription, dental, and vision, with added services like telemedicine and expert second opinions. Additional offerings like HSA/HRA/FSA options, prescription savings programs, and wellness supports increase perceived plan breadth.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-focused benefits include parental leave, caregiver leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and backup care for children, elders, and pets. Fertility management benefits and pregnancy-related support are also described as included, signaling a broad family-building and caregiving design.
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Retirement Support — Retirement and wealth-building options include a 401(k)/Roth 401(k) with company match and an employee stock purchase plan with a company match. Life and disability benefits are also described as available, adding to the overall financial-protection package.
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