Operations Manager

POSITION TITLE:                        Operations Manager

REPORTS TO:                             Director of Operations

SCHEDULE:                                 Friday to Sunday 6:00am to 6:30pm

AT AEO, WE OFFER:

• Competitive base pay, shift premium pay, incentive pay
• Opportunities for development and career advancement
• A 40% off AE & Aerie discount for associates and their family
• Competitive medical, dental and vision benefits for full time employees
• A state of the art, spacious climate controlled facility
• Plus, we allow associates to listen to music and carry their phones while working

YOUR ROLE: Develop a long-term strategy and process to optimize the flow of merchandise throughout the Distribution Centre. Proactively plan the daily needs of the operations and ensure Service Level Agreements (SLA) and store commitments are met. We are looking for someone with automation and DTC fulfillment experience!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

Business Acumen

• See the “big picture” of the operational workflow-how the key drivers of the operation relate to each other, work with peers and associates to achieve the desired throughput per day within our Service Level Agreement (SLA)
• Create rapport and positive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Consistently meet or exceed business targets while balancing short and long term results.
• Modify/align departmental goals with company goals. Roll out strategy to peers while highlighting their role in contributing to ‘the bigger picture’.
• Generate and champion big ideas, make smart and profitable decisions, and aggressively pursue opportunities to improve process, efficiency, and safety.

Operational Excellence

• Anticipate merchandise, production, and labour needs to set long-term objectives that give AEO a competitive advantage.
• Modify the strategy for each department’s unique needs and capabilities, balance long-term strategic use of resources while ensuring the day-to-day operations are executed efficiently, and demonstrate a forward-thinking mentality to make change a value-driven process within the company. 
• Communicate flow to operations by providing resources and tools to execute prescribed merchandise flow, while continually adjusting per business needs.
• Predict production needs in labour (i.e. contingent labour) based on forecasted allocations and receipts volume and effectively partner with contingent partners to bring resources in as needed.
• Use historical data to identify opportunities for increasing efficiencies and communicate to Operations Supervisors, Transportation Coordinator and other relevant personnel.
• Develop production standards and interdepartmental performance goals and guidelines.
• Track peak/low production to evaluate trends, plan for future volume, and understand dynamics that affect production to modify flow plan and/or staffing recommendations for promotions, holidays and other factors across all shifts. 
• Proactively coordinate strategy and optimization of efficiency across shifts and Distribution Centres with Director of Operations, Digital, Stores, Transportation, Planning, Allocation, and Supply Chain personnel to establish best practices and guide future efforts. 
• Provide peers, direct reports and associates with timely and accurate information, communication, and training to heighten their engagement and commitment to AEO, Inc.
• Special projects as assigned.
• Maintain the security of all merchandise and capital equipment of the Distribution Centre.
• Responsible for controlling costs in accordance with the budget.
• Promote and maintain high employee morale and safety.
• Administer company policies and procedures, while proactively partnering with Human Resources, where needed/required.
• Evaluate job performance of associates in assigned departments.
• Continuously improve the operation and drive innovation.

Learning & Development

• Infuse a team with passion, innovation, and teamwork through a focus on people and integrity-AEO, Inc.’s core values!
• Be a role model leader for others by: acting with integrity and respect, approaching responsibility with confidence and ownership, inspiring superior performance, and developing a track record of success.
• Utilize tools, resources, and new experiences to advance own skills and proactively seek out feedback to identify development opportunities.
• Monitor and maintain a safe work environment, safe work conditions and safe work practices.
• Champion change in a way that promotes and maintains high employee morale; strive for continuous improvements in all areas.
• Maintain a passion for winning!

AUTHORITY:

• Decisions regarding flow of product throughout the facility
• Recommend hiring decisions at exempt and hourly levels
• Development, coaching and counseling of employees as required for performance or attendance issues
• Approval of company expenditures within guidelines

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Individual should be willing to work in a fun, fast paced environment, and have a good sense of humor.  The individual should also be strategic, innovative, logical, objective, a people developer, a relationship builder, and a team player.  
• Diploma in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Logistics, Finance, or related field, preferred
• Six+ years previous experience in operations or flow management 
• Project Management experience is preferred
• Prior managerial/supervisory experience
• Travel is required
• High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, & planning skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team
• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting