Manager - DC Operations

DC OPERATIONS MANAGER

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Deputy Director, The Distribution Center Operations Manager provides strategic and daily hands-on leadership for all supervisor and associate activity on the Evening Shift. This role ensures merchandise is processed, fulfilled, and shipped with efficiency, safety, accuracy, and exceptional quality. The Operations Manager drives staffing strategy, operational excellence, people development, and continuous improvement within a high‑volume, fast‑paced, omni‑channel distribution environment.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Culture: The Operations Manager is expected to model the AEO Core Values

• Lead with Passion, Innovation, Teamwork, People, and Integrity—the core values of AEO.
• Champion a culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and customer service.
• Serve as a visible, influential leader who models respect, professionalism, and operational excellence.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑engagement environment that strengthens morale and builds a winning team culture.

People Development: The Operations manager will lead a team of up to 7 Supervisors, and over 200 Hourly Associates. 

• Coach, develop, and empower supervisors and associates to achieve high performance.
• Build bench strength through training, cross‑training, and succession planning.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide timely, constructive coaching and feedback.
• Partner proactively with HR and other support partners on performance management, attendance, employee relations, and policy compliance.

Operational Execution: The Operations Manager is responsible for Safety, Quality, Cost and Throughput for the assigned shift. 

• Forecast labor needs, allocate resources, and respond to production demands to maximize throughput and accuracy.
• Drive omni‑channel fulfillment strategies; collaborate with AE Direct and all DC departments to optimize product flow.
• Establish, monitor, and analyze production standards, KPIs, and interdepartmental performance goals.
• Plan and execute strategies to manage seasonal volume spikes and business fluctuations.
• Protect company assets, including merchandise, equipment, and facility integrity.
• Manage operational costs in alignment with budget expectations.

Continuous Improvement: The Operations Manager is expected to be a driver of CI initiatives for the site

• Champion innovation, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify operational gaps and implement sustainable solutions that enhance efficiency and quality.
• Promote a safe working environment through consistent training, communication, and accountability.

Other Responsibilities:

• Actively champion your own professional development by partnering with leadership to develop your needs and career goals
• Proactively train, develop, and supervise hourly and exempt employees; effectively lead teams of varying sizes as the site scales.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Authority: 

• Make decisions regarding product flow throughout the facility.
• Recommend hiring and/or promotion decisions for exempt and hourly roles.
• Lead coaching, development, and corrective action processes.
• Approve expenditures within established guidelines.
• Ensure safety is paramount in all aspects of the operation and site
• Using good judgement, act in the best interest of the company

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in distribution, manufacturing, retail operations, or high‑volume processing; omni‑channel or e‑commerce experience strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and planning skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a high sense of urgency.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, AI‑enabled tools, and general computer applications.
• Experience with WMS/WCS systems is a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• A strategic, innovative, objective, people‑focused, and highly collaborative leader with a sense of humor and a passion for developing others.
• Demonstrated flexibility to support multiple shifts or departments as needed.

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.