Operations Manager

ABOUT OUR CLIENT Our client is a growing distributor and converter of upholstery materials — including vinyl, leather, carpet, and foam — serving the automotive, marine, aviation, and general seating markets. Their operation includes a busy warehouse supporting domestic and international shipping, along with will‑call and counter sales. They are at an inflection point: the foundation is in place, and they are now focused on elevating operations with greater structure, efficiency, and scalability. THE OPPORTUNITY Our client is looking for a hands‑on Operations Manager to lead the warehouse and operations team. This person will report directly to senior leadership and work closely with sales, product development, and customer service. The ideal candidate is not a desk manager — they lead from the floor, build trust with the team, and drive meaningful change from within. The first 90 days will be focused on four priorities: observing and understanding current operations before making changes, implementing 5S and warehouse organization, standardizing processes and SOPs, and winning over the team through strong, credible leadership. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Warehouse Operations & 5S Begin with a structured observation period to fully understand current workflows, team dynamics, and operational gaps before implementing changes Lead a full redesign of the warehouse layout to maximize space, flow, and efficiency Implement and sustain 5S methodology across all warehouse areas Establish clear systems for inventory, staging, workflow, and will‑call operations Ensure a safe, clean, and compliant work environment at all times Document and implement SOPs across receiving, picking, packing, shipping, and counter sales Introduce accountability measures, performance expectations, and operational KPIs Replace informal legacy practices with optimized, scalable systems Lead, coach, and develop warehouse staff across receiving, shipping, inventory, and will‑call Build trust with an existing team while driving a culture shift toward continuous improvement Lead by example on the floor — this role requires presence, not just oversight Manage the transition away from “this is how we’ve always done it” with patience and credibility Logistics & Fleet Management Oversee domestic and international inbound and outbound logistics operations Manage carrier relationships, freight costs, and on‑time delivery performance Oversee company delivery truck routes, scheduling, and fleet operations Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and system controls Build and optimize inventory management systems to ensure product is assessed, tracked, and replenished efficiently Establish purchasing workflows and internal systems that enable informed procurement decisions Build and manage relationships with freight carriers, vendors, and third‑party logistics providers Negotiate favorable terms and hold suppliers accountable to agreed‑upon performance standards Safety & Compliance Develop and enforce safety protocols, conduct regular audits, and lead incident investigations Ensure full OSHA compliance and maintain accurate records and documentation Champion a zero‑incident safety culture throughout the operations team WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR 5+ years of experience in warehouse, distribution, or operations management Proven success implementing 5S, lean, or continuous improvement methodologies Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing hands‑on teams Experience in materials, manufacturing, industrial products, or distribution preferred Proficiency with WMS, ERP platforms, and inventory control systems strongly preferred Experience managing fleet or local delivery route operations is a plus A floor‑level leader — someone who earns respect by doing, not just directing Ability to lead through change and bring a team along with patience and accountability Bilingual English/Spanish a plus REPORTING STRUCTURE This role reports directly to senior leadership and collaborates cross‑functionally with sales, product development, and customer service. Direct reports include warehouse personnel across receiving, shipping, inventory, and counter/will‑call functions. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Base salary: $80,000 – $120,000 depending on experience, leadership capability, and track record Monthly health stipend of $500 in lieu of employer‑sponsored health benefits Paid time off Opportunity to grow with a fast‑scaling company at a critical moment in its evolution PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the warehouse for extended periods Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted on a regular basis Comfortable working in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures Ability to bend, stoop, squat, and reach as needed to support floor operations Ability to safely operate warehouse equipment including pallet jacks and forklifts (certification a plus) WORK ENVIRONMENT This is a full‑time, on‑site position based at their downtown Los Angeles facility. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, with Saturday morning availability required until operational systems are fully in place. Once the right processes and team structure are established, Saturday presence is at the manager’s discretion. HOW TO APPLY Submit your resume and a brief note on your relevant experience to: eric@vantageopsgroup.com #J-18808-Ljbffr