Job Details

Distribution Supervisor

Location: Columbus, GA

Reports to: Operations Manager / Distribution Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt (or Non-Exempt, based on final leveling)

Position Overview

The Distribution Supervisor leads day-to-day distribution operations to ensure accurate, on-time shipping while maintaining safety, quality, and compliance standards. This role directly supervises hourly distribution associates, enforces SOPs, balances labor to demand, and partners closely with Production, Staging, Inventory, and Quality to ensure seamless handoffs.

This is a hands-on, floor-driven leadership role requiring strong people management, operational discipline, and accuracy under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution Execution

• Supervise daily shipping, receiving, and order fulfillment activities
• Assign work, prioritize orders, and balance labor to meet daily and weekly targets
• Ensure orders are picked, packed, labeled, and shipped accurately and on schedule
• Resolve shipment discrepancies, shortages, and documentation issues
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics with carriers and internal teams

People Leadership

• Lead, train, coach, and develop hourly distribution associates
• Conduct daily shift huddles to communicate priorities, safety topics, and expectations
• Monitor attendance, productivity, and performance; address issues through coaching and corrective action
• Partner with HR on employee relations, performance management, and disciplinary actions

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Enforce safety policies and ensure OSHA compliance
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, work instructions, and quality requirements
• Support audits and inspections (MDSAP, FDA, ISO, GMP, customer audits as applicable)
• Maintain accurate shipping documentation, traceability, and records

Inventory & Systems

• Ensure accurate inventory handling, staging, and transfers
• Partner with Inventory Control on cycle counts and discrepancy resolution
• Utilize WMS/ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) to track shipments and performance
• Monitor and report distribution metrics (OTD, accuracy, rework, labor utilization)

Operational Excellence

• Identify and implement process improvements to improve accuracy and throughput
• Collaborate with Staging and Production to prevent bottlenecks and delays
• Escalate issues appropriately and drive timely resolution

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED (Bachelor's degree preferred)
• 3–5+ years of supervisory experience in distribution, warehouse, or logistics operations
• Proven experience leading hourly teams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of shipping processes, inventory control, and safety standards
• Ability to manage priorities, labor, and accuracy under tight deadlines
• Comfortable working on the floor for the majority of the shift

Preferred

• Experience in regulated manufacturing or distribution environments
• WMS/ERP experience (Oracle, SAP, or similar)
• Lean, 5S, or continuous improvement exposure
• Experience supporting audits and traceability requirements