Manager, Regional Distribution Center

Who We Are

Service Operations & Technology (SO&T) is the organization within the Volvo Group that secures and develops the service operations and technical solutions our customers depend on, every day, across the globe, for all brands of the Group. We sit at the heart of the Volvo Group’s service ambition, enabling uptime, trust, profitability, and sustainable growth for customers across the globe.
 
The world around us is changing fast, and the service business is becoming one of the most strategic growth areas for the Volvo Group. SO&T turns this momentum into action by translating strategy into concrete solutions and stable operations. Guided by a clear Customer First mindset, we work side by side with commercial and operational teams to secure uptime, create transparency, and deliver scalable, data driven services that unlock new business models and support a competitive, segmented offer.
 
Resilience and sustainability are built into everything we do. We design and run robust, AI enabled processes and systems that strengthen the end to end value chain, increase flexibility, and ensure we are always ready when our customers need us. At the same time, we actively contribute to the Volvo Group’s sustainability transformation by enabling circular and electromobility services, reducing emissions and waste in our operations, and helping shape a service ecosystem that is better for our people, our planet, and our company.

What you will do

The Site Manager will lead all operations at a small, two-shift distribution center of approximately 12 employees. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in an environment where they actively participate in daily operations while also developing a strong team-based culture. The Site Manager is responsible for operational performance, employee engagement, safety, inventory accuracy, customer service, training, onboarding, and continuous improvement. 

This is a brand-new startup operation featuring advanced robotic systems (AS/RS). The ideal candidate has proven experience launching greenfield facilities and can build a warehouse operation from the ground up, leading the implementation of the first AS/RS system in the Volvo global network.

A key responsibility is ensuring that all site processes, procedures, and operational standards align with Volvo’s global standards, enabling consistent, high-quality execution across the network.

You will report to Martin Johnston, Director, Regional Distribution Centers, and will be based out of Fife, WA.  
 
Responsibilities will include: 
•    As the Regional Distribution Manager (RDC) Manager, you will be actively involved in the setting up of this new warehouse.  You will support the Project team from the startup phase through the opening of the site.  You will be thoroughly trained across the network to get an understanding of the business and way of work before you take over operations at the new DC.
•    The RDC Manager will employ good hiring practices to build a strong leadership team who can deliver on the goals and values set forth by the organization.
•    Domestic and International travel is required (10%). The training for this position will require short term assignments of some duration at our other locations in North America, as well as travel to our headquarters in Greensboro, NC, prior to the launch of the Tacoma DC.

Leadership & Team Development
•    Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team with a strong emphasis on collaboration, trust, and shared accountability.
•    Foster a positive work environment that promotes open communication, respect, and continuous learning.
•    Conduct regular team meetings, performance check-ins, and coaching sessions.
•    Participate hands-on in daily operations to support the team and understand operational needs.
•    Lead training and skills development for all employees, ensuring they are equipped to perform their roles safely and effectively.
•    Oversee and participate in the onboarding of new employees, ensuring consistent training aligned with Volvo standards and site needs.

Operational Management
•    Oversee daily operations across two shifts, ensuring smooth handoffs, continuity, and consistent performance.
•    Manage staffing schedules, shift coverage, workflow planning, and labor allocation.
•    Oversee all distribution center activities including receiving, picking, packing, shipping, returns, and inventory control.
•    Ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment to meet customer expectations.
•    Troubleshoot operational issues and implement effective solutions quickly.
•    Implement and maintain operational processes in accordance with Volvo global standards, policies, and operating procedures.

Automation Maintenance & Optimization: 
•    Oversee the daily operation of automated systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and managing preventive maintenance schedules.

Safety & Compliance
•    Maintain a strong safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.

Continued Description

Inventory & Quality Control
•    Oversee inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and investigations of discrepancies.
•    Maintain product quality standards and ensure proper storage, rotation, and handling.
•    Collaborate with supply chain teams to resolve inbound or outbound issues.

Performance & Continuous Improvement
•    Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as productivity, on-time shipping, accuracy rates, labor utilization, and safety metrics.
•    Identify opportunities for process improvement and drive initiatives to streamline workflows and increase efficiency.
•    Ensure continuous improvement efforts align with Volvo global standards and support network-wide consistency.
•    Support implementation of new technology, systems, or equipment.

Administrative & Cross-Functional Responsibilities
•    Manage site expenses, budget considerations, and resource planning.
•    Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, employee relations, and performance management.
•    Own the full onboarding process for new hires, including orientation, training schedules, certification tracking, and ensuring documented completion of required training.
•    Serve as the primary point of contact for internal partners and external service providers.
•    Ensure proper maintenance of facility equipment and coordinate repairs as necessary.

Who are you?

Education and Experience

•    Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics / Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related degree, or equivalent experience, is preferred; Master’s Degree in Logistics/Supply Chain preferred.
•    5+ years of experience in distribution/warehouse operations leadership.
•    Experience managing multi-shift operations.
•    Broad operational knowledge, including inventory management, warehouse processes, safety requirements, and basic supply chain concepts.
•    Excellent communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
•    Ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
•    Experience with start-up or newly established distribution operations.

Necessary Technical / Functional / Language Skills  
•    Strong command of WMS/WCS platforms and experience troubleshooting automated hardware-software bottlenecks.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with strong presentation skills
•    Self-motivated, ability to take initiative to improve processes and procedures.
•    Solid analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficient in data analytics tools like Excel, Minitab, Power BI or Tableau or Qlikview.
•    Exposure to lean, 5S, or continuous improvement methodologies.
•    Strong leadership skills using an inclusive style of coaching, with a willingness to work alongside the team daily.
•    Significant change management experience with the ability to set demanding targets; and then motivate teams and individuals to deliver outside their comfort zones.
•    Work is primarily in a warehouse floor environment with regular physical activity such as walking, standing, lifting up to 50 lbs. and operating warehouse equipment is required.
•    Occasional extended hours depending on business needs.
•    Ability to support multiple shifts as needed for oversight, leadership, or operational requirements.

Preferred

•    Familiarity with Volvo processes, standards, or systems.
•    Forklift certification or willingness to become certified.
•    Experience leading in a Union environment.
•    Knowledge of the heavy equipment and automotive transportation industries.

What’s in it for you?

We recognize that financial rewards and great benefits are important aspects of an ideal job. That is why we offer competitive financial compensation, including various compensation plans, and a solid benefits package.

•    Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance.
•    401k, With Matching Contributions.
•    Paid Time Off, including 8 paid community volunteering hours per year.
•    Health Savings Account (HSA)/Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) Options.
•    Growth Opportunities.
•    Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance.

Ready for the next move?

•    Are you excited to bring your skills and disruptive ideas to the table? We can’t wait to hear from you. Apply today!