Distribution Center Manager

About the Role

The Distribution Center Manager will lead the end-to-end design, construction, and start-up of a new distribution center in Ayutthaya and then assume full responsibility for day-to-day warehouse operations. The role covers facility layout and fit-out, WMS and process design, team hiring and training, go-live stabilization, and ongoing safety, service, cost, and productivity performance.

Responsibilities

• Design / Build phase: Lead project for setting up a new greenfield distribution center, including detailed warehouse layout, storage concepts, and material-handling equipment specification.
• Work with internal stakeholders, developers, contractors, and local authorities in Ayutthaya to ensure building design, utilities, and infrastructure meet operational, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Define operating model and process flows (inbound, put-away, storage, picking, packing, VAS, outbound) and set service levels to support current and projected volumes.
• Lead implementation of warehouse management systems (WMS) and related technologies (RF, voice, automation, conveyor/sortation if applicable), including UAT, SOP creation, and user training.
• Develop staffing model, organization structure, job descriptions, and shift patterns; participate in recruitment and onboarding of leaders and frontline teams.
• Prepare and manage project budgets and timelines for racking, MHE, IT infrastructure, safety systems, and other capital expenditures; report status and risks to senior management.
• Establish operating KPIs, reporting templates, and data requirements before go-live (productivity, accuracy, on-time dispatch, space utilization, safety).
• Ensure all safety, quality, and compliance requirements, including Thai labor and safety regulations, are built into facility design, equipment choices, and operating procedures.
• Go-live & ongoing operations: Own daily operations including receiving, storage, inventory control, picking, packing, VAS, and outbound transport interface; achieve targets for safety, service (OTIF, order accuracy), productivity, and cost per unit handled.
• Manage workforce scheduling and performance management across all shifts; coach and develop supervisors and team leaders to build a high-performing, engaged team.
• Ensure strict inventory-control processes (cycle counting, stock reconciliations, discrepancy investigation) and automated daily reporting to maintain high inventory accuracy.
• Drive a strong safety culture through training, audits, incident investigations, and continuous improvement in line with company and regulatory standards.
• Oversee maintenance of building, racking, and MHE; work with vendors to minimize downtime and ensure optimal equipment availability.
• Collaborate with planning, transportation, sales ops/customer service teams to support new product launches, promotions, and seasonal peaks.
• Analyze operational data, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements and lean initiatives to reduce cost and increase capacity and service levels.
• Prepare and manage annual operating and capital budgets for labor, logistics services, utilities, maintenance, and projects.
• Ensure compliance with global shipping standards/documentation, company policies, and Thai legal requirements regarding labor, environment, storage, and transport of goods.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 7+ years of experience in warehouse or distribution center operations, including at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Proven experience setting up or expanding a warehouse/distribution center (greenfield, brownfield, or major redesign), including WMS implementation and layout design.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and related technologies; comfortable using data and dashboards to manage performance.
• Demonstrated track record in people leadership, change management, and building teams in fast-growing environments.
• Solid understanding of safety regulations and best practices within warehouse and distribution operations.
• Experience working in Thailand or similar markets; ability to communicate effectively in Thai and English.

Skills

• Project management of complex, cross-functional projects with multiple external vendors and tight timelines.
• Analytical and problem solving using data, KPIs, and root-cause analysis to drive continuous improvement.
• Process and systems thinking with end-to-end distribution processes and how systems, layout, and labor interact.
• Communication and stakeholder management with international customer service teams, operations teams, distributors, suppliers, contractors, and local authorities.
• Customer focus to ensure reliable, on-time, accurate deliveries and high customer satisfaction.