Manager, Distribution Operations

About the Role

Reporting to the Director, Operations Thailand, the Manager, Distribution Operations leads and optimizes warehouse and distribution operations at Hach’s Asia Distribution Center (ADC) in Rayong, Thailand—a complex, high-mix manufacturing and distribution hub serving global customers. The role drives performance across inbound, storage, inventory control, and outbound operations through VES and Daily Management, with accountability for SQDIP results. The Manager, Distribution Operations builds and develops a high-performing team of 20+ associates and ensures safe, compliant, and efficient handling of hazardous materials, a large SKU portfolio, and export shipments across multiple geographies. The role partners cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Planning, Production, Quality, Import/Export, Customer Service, and 3PL providers to deliver reliable service, maintain regulatory compliance, and sustain inventory and flow integrity across the end-to-end value stream.

What You'll Do

Safety & Compliance

• Develop and sustain a safety-first culture by embedding 5S and EHS practices, with focus on hazardous-material handling, spill prevention, segregation, and PPE compliance.
• Ensure adherence to Company Rules, ADC SOPs, and applicable regulatory requirements, including Thai Free Zone, IATA, IMDG, and DOT standards.
• Oversee trade and customs compliance, including documentation accuracy, dangerous-goods declarations, and HS code classification.
• Maintain audit readiness for internal, regulatory, and customs requirements, ensuring proper documentation and inspection compliance.

Operations & Inventory Management

• Lead warehouse operations across receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, packing, and shipping to achieve dock-to-stock, order cycle time, and on-time delivery targets.
• Own inventory accuracy through cycle counting, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and ERP/WMS master-data discipline.
• Ensure end-to-end flow integration with manufacturing and distribution using VSM, standard work, and Daily Management practices.
• Manage customers against service-level expectations, ensure alignment with global operations.

People Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 20+ associates through clear goal setting, performance management, and GEMBA-based coaching.
• Build problem-solving capability and reinforce accountability through DM and VES practices.
• Plan workforce capacity and shift coverage to support demand variability; drive cross-training and skills matrix development.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Partner with Planning, Production, Quality, Finance, Customer Service, and Import/Export functions to balance service, cost, and inventory performance.
• Support global distribution requirements, including complex export shipments and hazardous-material handling.
• Contribute to ERP/WMS improvement initiatives with data collection integrity and accuracy.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement warehouse improvements to enhance service levels, efficiency, and operational stability.
• Lead Kaizen events to eliminate waste and improve inbound-to-outbound value streams using standard work, Daily Management, and Kamishibai.
• Monitor and drive KPI performance across SQDIP, order fulfillment, and DC metrics.
• Leverage data analytics to prioritize actions and support cost optimization initiatives across warehousing and logistics.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Warehousing, or a related field.
• 8+ years' progressive experience in warehouse, logistics, or supply chain management, preferably in manufacturing with hazardous chemicals and complex SKU portfolios.
• Proven track record managing hazardous-goods handling, IMDG/IATA/DOT compliance, and export logistics in a regulated environment.
• Experience with ERP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), with demonstrated ability to leverage data for operational decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to coach, develop, and manage diverse operational teams of 20 or more members.
• Continuous-improvement mindset with applied Lean or Kaizen experience in a warehouse or distribution setting.
• Strong business communication skills in English and Thai, with the ability to engage cross-functionally and with external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle ERP (EBS/Fusion) or an enterprise-level WMS platform.
• Advanced Excel proficiency for data analysis, reporting, and operational dashboards.
• Background in 3PL management and vendor performance evaluation.
• Familiarity with ISO, GHS, or other quality and chemical-safety management frameworks.
• Experience operating within a global or multi-site supply chain environment.
• Professional certification in logistics, supply chain, or warehouse management (e.g., APICS CSCP, CLTD).

Key Competencies

• Organizational & Analytical Skill: handles a high degree of complexity and data processing.
• Customer Focus: strong dedication to meeting customer needs and ensuring on-time delivery.
• Attention to Detail: accuracy is critical to success in this role.
• Team Collaboration: works seamlessly across departments, ensuring alignment between order management, production, and supply chain.
• Adaptability: adjusts plans in response to changing demand, production capacity, and material availability — and drives results under pressure and shifting priorities.