Operations Manager (48272)

💰  Base Salary   |  📍  Zelienople, PA   |  Full-Time |🏢  MCE Operations |  Reports to: Director of Warehousing & Logistics

Are you an operations leader who thrives on building structure, standardizing processes, and holding a distribution or manufacturing team accountable to measurable results?

MCE's Warehouse Operations is looking for an Operations Manager to drive excellence across our distribution network. You will own the processes that govern how we fulfill orders, manage inventory, and deliver on our commitments to customers — managing the metrics, scorecards, and accountability structures that keep our locations performing at a high level. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can build systems, develop people, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-moving industrial distribution environment.

If you have a strong distribution or manufacturing operations background, a track record of process improvement, and the ability to manage operational metrics across multiple locations, we want to talk.

We take care of our team with a full benefits package:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) with a generous company match.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement — we invest in your development.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Voluntary benefit products.

Drive Operational Process and Standards

• Design, document, and implement standardized operational processes within the division location covering order fulfillment, warehouse management, inventory control, and shipping and receiving.
• Identify process gaps and inefficiencies within location and lead corrective action to close them.
• Ensure consistent execution of operational procedures, supporting the location warehousing team in holding the standard.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies to reduce waste and increase throughput.

Fulfillment and Inventory Oversight

• Oversee order fulfillment operations, ensuring orders are picked, packed, and shipped accurately and on time.
• Manage inventory control practices including cycle counting, min/max management, and replenishment processes to maintain stock accuracy and availability.
• Coordinate with purchasing, sales, and logistics teams to align inventory levels with customer demand and reduce excess or obsolete stock.
• Support VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) program operations, ensuring customer site inventory is properly maintained and reported.

People Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to operations team within location, and coordinate operations staff across division locations.
• Partner with HR to recruit, onboard, and retain operations talent.
• Build a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement within the location.
• Conduct regular operational reviews with Director to align priorities and address performance issues.

Must Have:

• 5+ years of operations management experience in industrial distribution, MRO, wholesale distribution, or manufacturing — with a track record of driving measurable improvement.
• Proven experience managing operational KPI matrices, scorecards, and performance reporting frameworks.
• Strong process improvement background — able to identify inefficiencies, design better workflows, and implement change across the operation.
• Experience owning fulfillment operations including warehouse management, order accuracy, and on-time shipment performance.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence across locations and organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP or warehouse management systems.

Nice to Have:

• Experience managing operation as part of the larger distribution networks.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification.
• Familiarity with Epicor Prophet 21, , or similar distribution ERP platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in operations management, supply chain, business, or a related field.

Motion & Control Enterprises (MCE) is a top-50 national industrial distributor with roots going back to 1951. MCE's Fluid Power Division brings together specialized companies including RitterTech, Quest Engineering, and other fluid power distribution operations, supplying hydraulic hose, fittings, pneumatic components, lubrication systems, and related products to manufacturers, OEMs, and MROs across the Midwest and upper Midwest. With 25+ specialized companies and 60+ facilities across 18+ states, MCE is growing through acquisitions and organically — and building the operational infrastructure to match.

MCE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

If you are a process-driven operations leader with a distribution or manufacturing background and the ability to build systems that scale, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today — it only takes a few minutes.

MCE does not accept candidate submissions from third-party recruiters or agencies. Any resumes or candidate information submitted without a prior written agreement in place will be considered the property of MCE, and no fees will be paid.

Recruiters and agencies are directed not to contact MCE employees directly regarding this or any of our other open positions.