Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day distribution center operations for a book publishing organization. This role ensures the efficient, accurate, and cost-effective receipt, storage, picking, packing, and shipment of finished books and related products. The Operations Manager leads frontline supervisors and staff, drives continuous improvement, and ensures service level commitments to customers, retailers, and internal stakeholders are met—especially during peak publishing seasons.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
• Manage daily warehouse and fulfillment operations, including inbound receiving, put-away, inventory control, order fulfillment, shipping, and returns processing
• Ensure operational readiness to support new title releases, seasonal surges, and promotional campaigns
• Monitor productivity, throughput, and accuracy to meet service level agreements (SLAs)
People Management
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly staff in a fast-paced distribution environment
• Oversee staffing plans, scheduling, training, and performance management
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
Process & Continuous Improvement
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and control costs
• Leverage Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies where applicable
• Partner with IT and Supply Chain teams to optimize warehouse management systems (WMS) and reporting tools
Inventory & Quality Control
• Ensure accurate inventory management, cycle counts, and reconciliation
• Minimize shrink, damages, and mis-shipments
• Maintain high standards for order accuracy and product quality
Safety & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, and labor standards
• Lead safety initiatives and training to maintain a safe working environment
• Support audits and ensure adherence to internal controls
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Collaborate with Publishing Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Transportation teams to resolve issues and improve service
• Communicate operational performance, risks, and improvement plans to leadership
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in distribution center or warehouse operations, with at least 2 years in a management role
• Experience managing high-volume fulfillment operations, preferably in publishing, media, or consumer products
• Strong people leadership and team-building skills
• Proficiency with warehouse management systems (WMS) and operational reporting
• Ability to work flexible hours, including peak seasons, evenings, or weekends as needed
• Experience in returns-heavy distribution environments
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action
Key Competencies
• Operational excellence and execution focus
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Change management and adaptability
• Results-driven mindset with attention to detail
Work Schedule - 1st shift: 7:30 – 4:00 PM
Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression), age, citizenship status, marital status, and Veteran status where protected by law or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Unrelated emails, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- At least 5 years of experience in distribution center or warehouse operations, including at least 2 years in a management role
- Experience managing high-volume fulfillment operations
- Strong people leadership and team-building skills
- Proficiency with warehouse management systems and operational reporting
- Ability to work flexible hours, including peak seasons, evenings, or weekends as needed
- Experience in returns-heavy distribution environments
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action
- Experience in publishing, media, or consumer products
What We Do
Simon & Schuster is a global consumer publishing company and major book publisher. It publishes more than 2,000 new titles annually across printed and digital formats, offering works that educate, entertain, and inspire readers of all ages. Its business includes numerous publishing groups and imprints, as well as audiobook publishing, including audio editions, original productions, and titles from both its own and external publishing houses.
