Sr Mgr, Returns & Operations

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
Hybrid
115K-193K Annually
Senior level
eCommerce • Information Technology • Retail • Industrial
Zoro is an eCommerce company that’s on a mission to provide business owners everything they need to operate and thrive.
The Role
Leads end-to-end post-delivery operations, including returns, replacements, warranty claims, warehouse operations, and delivery exceptions. Develops scalable operating strategies, processes, service standards, KPIs, and business cases; improves performance through automation, Lean, Six Sigma, and process optimization. Manages third-party logistics vendors, leads cross-functional initiatives, presents recommendations to senior leadership, and develops employees through coaching and succession planning.
Summary Generated by Built In

Company Summary

Zoro.com is a leading eCommerce platform offering nearly 12 million tools, parts and supplies for our business customers. Launched in 2011, we brought a B2C-like experience to the B2B industry, and continue to be at the forefront of digital innovation at the intersection of technology and distribution. We have rapidly grown to over $1 billion in annual revenue and we’re just getting started!


Job Summary: 

The Senior Manager, Returns & Operations is responsible for leading Zoro’s end-to-end post-delivery operations, including returns, replacements, warranty claims, warehouse operations, and delivery exceptions. This role defines the operating model, uses operational and financial analysis to guide decisions, and develops capabilities that improve customer outcomes, operating cost, and scalability.


Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Lead post-delivery operations, including returns, replacements, warranty claims, missing or incorrect items, warehouse operations, and other customer-resolution activities.
  • Develop and execute the Returns & Operations strategy and establish scalable operating processes, governance, and service standards.
  • Develop business cases and operating requirements for Zoro’s current & future capabilities including third-party logistics partnerships and Zoro-operated fulfillment capabilities.
  • Establish key performance indicators, dashboards, and operating reviews to improve customer outcomes, reduce operating costs, and prioritize investments.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives and present recommendations to senior leaders concerning post-delivery strategy, operational improvements, and investments.
  • Improve operational performance through automation, process optimization, Lean principles, and technology that increase efficiency, improve service levels, and reduce defects.
  • Manage relationships with vendors and third-party logistics providers by establishing performance expectations, governance processes, and accountability.
  • Develop employees through coaching and succession planning, and establish clear accountability for customer, operational, and financial outcomes.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or a related field required.
  • 7+ years’ experience in logistics, supply chain, fulfillment, distribution, or operations required.
  • 5+ years’ experience managing employees and leading cross-functional teams required.
  • Experience developing and executing operational strategies and scalable processes required.
  • Experience leading cross-functional initiatives that improve customer and business outcomes required.
  • Experience leading automation, continuous-improvement, or process-optimization initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies required.
  • Experience in fulfillment operations, reverse logistics, warehouse management, or third-party logistics networks required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • MBA or Master's degree preferred.

Work Location

This is a hybrid role based in Janesville, WI. The selected candidate may designate Zoro’s Chicago, IL office as their primary office location; however, regular onsite work in Janesville will be required to support warehouse operations, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.



Total Rewards

Zoro’s total compensation plan includes our Zoro Incentive Plan (ZIP) that is designed to foster and reward our team members for strong performance. Total compensation will be highly competitive.

In addition to competitive compensation, Zoro offers comprehensive benefits and perks including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
  • Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents. We also support growing your family through access to adoption assistance program
  • 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist and Wellhub portal membership to support your mental and emotional wellbeing
  • At least 18 paid time off days annually for full-time employees and 6 company holidays per year
  • 6% company contribution to a 401K Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required
  • Tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and access to financial counseling, education, and tools
  • Charitable Gift Program - match gift to an eligible educational, cultural, community health, and human service organizations
  • Employee discounts and admission to various civic and cultural institutions around Chicago
  • Zoro office perks including coffee bar, beer on tap, unlimited snacks, access to the onsite gym, and incredible city skyline views

For additional information and details regarding our benefits and our parent company, W. W. Grainger, please click on the link here.

The pay range provided is not a guarantee of compensation. The range listed reflects the expected base pay for this position at the time of posting, based on the role's job grade. Actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as location, relevant experience and individual qualifications.

Illinois
$115,000$192,600 USD
Outside of Illinois
$107,000$178,300 USD

Our Culture

Zoro was founded in 2011 with a simple idea: make it easy for businesses to get the tools, parts, and supplies they need to keep things running. We've grown by staying curious, moving quickly, and solving everyday challenges in smart, practical ways. Backed by W.W. Grainger and inspired by our endless assortment business model, we’re on a clear path toward our next big milestone: $2 billion in revenue—and beyond.

At Zoro, we don’t just follow a playbook—we help build it. You’ll get to work on real problems with a supportive team that shares ideas freely, learns from each other, and celebrates wins together. Our culture is grounded in values that guide how we show up every day: Winning & Learning Together, Being Customer Obsessed, Being Transparent, and Taking Ownership. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re always asking good questions.

Zoro’s culture has been recognized by Fortune, Best Places to Work, and Built In Chicago—but the recognition we care about most comes from our team members, who make this place what it is.

We also know that flexibility matters. Our hybrid work model gives you space to focus and the flexibility to live your life — asking team members to be onsite at least two days a week. Our Chicago HQ (right above Ogilvie Transportation Center in the Accenture Tower) is always open and ready for connection, collaboration, or just a good cup of coffee.

At Zoro, we’re growing fast toward big aspirations — and we’re continuously excited about the new challenges we get to solve together.

 

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are also committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment. Should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview, or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or a related field
  • 7+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain, fulfillment, distribution, or operations
  • 5+ years of experience managing employees and leading cross-functional teams
  • Experience developing and executing operational strategies and scalable processes
  • Experience leading cross-functional initiatives that improve customer and business outcomes
  • Experience leading automation, continuous-improvement, or process-optimization initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
  • Experience in fulfillment operations, reverse logistics, warehouse management, or third-party logistics networks
  • MBA or Master's degree

What the Team is Saying

Geremy
Margaret
Anupama

Zoro Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Retirement Support Employer 401(k) contributions are advertised at 6% whether or not employees contribute, with some materials detailing a 3.5% automatic plus a 3.5% performance-based structure and immediate vesting. This setup is described as unusually generous for a mid-size e-commerce employer.
  • Healthcare Strength Medical, dental, and vision coverage begin on day one, with additional programs such as mental health/EAP also highlighted. These elements make core healthcare support both immediate and robust.
  • Parental & Family Support Paid parental leave and adoption assistance are featured alongside supporting protections like disability and supplemental life insurance. Public materials consistently highlight these family-focused offerings.

Zoro Insights

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The Company
HQ: Chicago, IL
651 Employees
Year Founded: 2011

What We Do

Our e-commerce website has everything businesses and consumers need to make their business go, at prices that make sense. We have over 12 million products on our website (and counting) to help your business run that are shipped fast and often free. Throw in our award-winning workplace culture and you’ll find Zoro an amazing place to work and grow.

Why Work With Us

We've worked hard to foster a unique company culture built on transparency, collaboration, and innovation. We've also won a number of awards for our company culture along the way. Of course, it's not the awards that matter—it's the people. We pride ourselves on building a culture that allows our team members to bring their authentic selves to work!

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Zoro Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

At Zoro, we believe in balance—so we’ve made hybrid work a win-win! Team members are asked to work on-site in our office 2 days a week.

Typical time on-site: 2 days a week
HQChicago, IL
Our headquarters are conveniently located in Downtown Chicago, above the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Zoro employees can choose to work on-site, remotely or hybrid to experience the best of both worlds!

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