Position: Warehouse and Distribution Manager
Location: Arcola, IL
Starting Minimum Pay: $ 75-126K base salary DOE

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CELEBRATING STUDENT MILESTONES – HERFF JONES
Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas, frames, announcements, and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs. Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty, and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones. Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years.

Warehouse & Distribution Manager – Arcola, IL

YOUR OPPORTUNITY:
We are seeking a Warehouse & Distribution Manager in our Arcola, IL facility.

HERE'S HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT:
The Warehouse & Distribution Manager, reporting directly to the Director of Operations, oversees the daily operations of warehousing, inventory control, and outbound distribution at our Arcola, IL facility. This leader plays a critical role in ensuring efficiency, safety, and service excellence, particularly during our seasonal peak, while supporting Herff Jones’ mission to be the most trusted name in celebrating student milestones.

At Herff Jones we may have been around for over 100 years, but we are constantly evolving. For you, that means your job may grow and change over time. We are a seasonal business with a sharp spike (85% of annual volume) in shipments during the spring (graduation season) that includes B2B and D2C shipments.

While in this position you will be responsible for all warehouse and distribution operations. You will work elbow to elbow with a team of leaders who take ownership and lead from the front. Trust, candor and a willingness to partner within the organization are non-negotiable. This role will afford you opportunities to partner up and downstream in the process while driving tangible results. Operating as a leader in business first and a functional leader second will be critical to your success.

Leadership & Transformation

• In partnership with the C&G leadership team, lead the receiving, warehousing, and distribution.
• Serve as a primary stakeholder and key leader in the implementation of new technology and processes in support of larger organizational change initiatives.
• Work with Director of Operations in succession planning activities to develop the next generation of leaders.
• Safeguard warehouse operations and contents by establishing and monitoring security procedures and protocols.

Inventory

• Maintain an accurate inventory and partner with the C&G materials team to drive working capital reductions YoY.
• Update and overhaul inventory management processes in a environment without a WMS or barcoded product. Including, but not limited to, cycle count schedules, slotting/storage plans, receiving and put-away procedures.
• Own the physical condition of distribution center by planning and implementing new design layouts, updating equipment, maintaining inspection logs and safety procedures.
• Develop and own shipping vendor relationships, coordinate distribution needs for peak season.

Day-to-Day Operations

• Partner closely with the materials & manufacturing teams on schedules, inventory levels and customer requirements to drive a balance score card: Safety-Quliaty-Delivery-Inventory-Cost
• Achieve financial objectives by preparing an annual budget, scheduling, and assigning employees and following up on work results, to include a large influx of seasonal staff
• Provide regular updates and metrics to other C&G and divisional leaders.
• Day-to-day leadership and support of direct reports (3-4 supervisors) centered around; organization, communication, achieving goals, customer interactions, and scheduling production for maximum efficiency and quality.
• Actively participate in daily walkthroughs, understanding metrics and their drivers, and troubleshooting of operations.
• Organize and lead continuous professional development for your department leads.
• Other leadership duties as assigned.

Division & Site

• Work closely with Division stakeholders to support their efforts.
• Attend planning and updating meetings with various groups, with particular emphasis on Process Improvement Groups.
• Attend offsite meetings as needed.
• Practice teambuilding and present a positive outlook throughout the Plant & Division keeping in mind the Administrative Team has internal and external customers.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• 3-5 years of leadership experience in warehouse/distribution management.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with inventory management and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, staffing, and KPI-driven performance.
• Strong communication and leadership skills; bilingual in English/Spanish capabilities a plus.
• A high level of personal and team accountability.
• Multiple examples of positive leadership in stressful environments.
• A strong sense of urgency and desire to exceed expectations.
• Previous success leading operations to include training and coaching front line associates
• Proven ability to lead a mid-size warehouse and distribution facility operation with seasonal peak.
• Multiple examples of successfully managing budgets, conducting detailed staffing analysis, and implementing new programs in a warehouse environment.
• Multiple examples of projects and initiates successfully executed with measurable cost and time savings.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, frequent walking or standing.
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends during seasonal peaks (March–June).

JOIN THE BEST TEAM ON THE FIELD IN SPORT, SPIRIT & ACHIEVEMENT

About Herff Jones:
Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas, and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,400 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years. For more information about Herff Jones, please visit www.herffjones.com.

Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.

Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Herff Jones. Herff Jones will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity. Job Id: VydeJ4jxtoQV2VtcWuwzgE7A04ttf5tvyh6Oibb5rgojP1z/rzMXrBekL/6M2+vV3Src3nM0VrRHZSGyfP+RaNJlVjUq83Frwdgc1XJsp7rilkggS0kU/gfXHQ4lWv58U8ks3Hxhus10JFp+xA==