Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

Please note that we prefer a candidate near one of our Mizkan plants in the areas of Owensboro, KY, Ontario, CA or Kansas City, MO.**

COMMENTS:This job description reflects assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

SUMMARY:TheWarehouse Distribution Managerwill own the relationships with of both Mizkan operated facilities and 3PL warehouses to support the efficient receipt, storage, and dispatch of a wide range of goods. You will manage people, processes, and systems to ensure productivity, inventory targets are met, and that workplace health and safety requirements are adhered to.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team Development:

Provide coaching and mentoring to both direct and non-direct reports, helping them develop their skills and achieve their career goals.
Foster a collaborative and engaged environment by encouraging open communication and teamwork.
Assist in setting performance goals and providing regular feedback to team members.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including 3PL warehouses, Supply Chain Planning, Transportation, Plant Operations, Sales, Finance, Purchasing, Marketing, IT and other to support Mizkan locations in delivering excellent customer service at the lowest cost.
This role is the main point of contact for Mizkan facilities and 3PL warehouses, ensuring compliance with defined performance standards and addressing issues proactively
Budget Management / Cost Savings and Efficiency Projects:
Own the warehousing budget, creating and executing the financial plan for all warehouse activities.
Manage the process of creating and managing POs for the warehouse budget
Oversee the invoice processing for warehousing related invoices.
Ensure all Month-End Closeout reports are provided to Finance and Accounting in a timely manner.
Identify and manage cost savings and efficiency projects related to warehousing as part of the Operations and Supply Chain team.

Network Optimization and Improvements:

Accountable for network optimization activities withing the warehousing and distribution network.
Drive improvements to the warehouse network, providing analysis, recommending improvements, and managing the execution of these improvements.

Inventory Management:

Accountable for delivering on inventory accuracy targets, cycle counting, and physical inventory management.

Site Visits and Reviews:

Travel to sites and conduct business reviews as needed

Project Delivery:

Deliver projects as directed by the Associate Director of Warehousing and Transportation and the VP of Operations.

Vendor Management:

Own the relationship with vendors such as but not limited to third-party warehouse providers, pooled pallet providers, and other suppliers related to warehousing needs.
Establish and monitor performance standards, act as an escalation point, and direct actions as necessary.
Conduct negotiations with vendors, obtain competitive quotes and execute contracts as needed.
Support the Overages, Shortages and Damages process, through the investigation of all reported issues, and the implementation of the appropriate corrective action

Other Duties:

Participate in cost savings and efficiency projects related to warehousing
Travel to sites and conduct audits and report on performance standards
Assist in various ad hoc projects, which require data gathering, interdepartmental collaboration, and critical thinking skills
Other duties, as assigned

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

BA Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, related area or equivalent experience
3-5 years of experience required in Warehousing, Distribution and or Inventory Management
Prior people management experience is preferred
APICS Certification a plus
Knowledge and/or prior experience working in D365 environment a plus
Must possess excellent computer skills that include proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite functions as well as familiarity with Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of the organization both inside and outside the organization
Organization and time management skills required
Ability to travel 40% required