Director, DC Operations

REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet. 

The Director of Operations is responsible for all aspects of the Bedford, PA Distribution Center operations delivering REI’s customer experiences with the objective of enhancing the company’s growth and profitability. This facility is an Omni channel operation requiring a strong leader with an emphasis on customer obsession, servant leadership and operational excellence. The successful leader will have strong material handling systems experience with a strategic and innovative mindset bolstered by LEAN leadership skills and a passion for developing this highly engaged team. 

This role sets the strategic operational direction for the Distribution Center which supports REI’s priorities, drives financial performance, supports employee job satisfaction and increases customer service at all levels. Represents the Distribution and Logistics division and its business requirements for cross-divisional business planning and collaboration. Models and acts in accordance with REI’s guiding values and mission.

• Models the way for employee engagement at all levels with a high degree of visibility and daily interactions.
• Identifies and communicates key responsibilities and practices to ensure the organization promotes a successful attitude, confidence in leadership, and teamwork to achieve business results.
• Supports the implementation of company programs, procedures, methods and practices to promote REI key messages.
• Challenges and inspires employees to achieve business results.
• Communicate a vision and set clear expectations that inspire and engage the organization.
• Be a talent champion. Develop an exceptional team. Actively mentor cross-functional talent and create a deep talent pipeline. Model the way, by owning your self-development journey and demonstrate courage by giving and asking for honest feedback.
• Communicates openly and effectively within the Distribution group and cross-divisional departments within REI.
• Engages all audiences with a sense of awareness and relevance and respect.
• Develops an annual statement of direction and guides the DC teams in development and execution of business plans.
• Define and drive organizational goals and objectives which balances the delivery of new capabilities along with ongoing operational requirements and a continuous improvement agenda.
• Develops and strategizes actions to meet long-range company plans and ensures that DC operations have adequate capacity to meet growth objectives.
• Develops the yearly payroll and expense budget.
• Determines and executes Distribution system changes to maximize efficiencies, handle increased volumes and enhance service levels and quality.
• Deliver results. Drive decision making, role-model agility, show courage in taking risks. Advance the strategic direction will ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly.
• Be accountable for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing our distribution center by monitoring implementation and practice to ensure compliance.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for team members; adhere to safety programs, procedures, and policies.

• 15+ years of leading an operational warehouse or distribution center.
• Experience with distribution center startups is preferred.
• Experience with DC technology, warehouse systems (WMS LMS) and processes.
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Logistics, Operations Management, or Engineering, preferred.
• Builds capacity of individuals and teams through effective employee. development, involvement, communication, and supervision efforts.
• 3+ years of progressive retail store business leadership experience where store business generates $7 - 10 MM+ of annual sales for a national retailing company.
• 3+ years of direct experience managing store operations to successful attainment of assigned business sales goals while meeting assigned customer service, product sales, and growth objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and completing successful financial and business plans for achieving sales, service, and contribution goals in large retailing organizations.
• Knowledge of retail and distribution processes with experience in multi-channel retailing.
• Knowledge of business principles from multiple disciplines and ability to apply these principles in driving change/outcomes in cross-functional projects and activities.
• Builds capacity of individuals and teams through effective employee development, involvement, communication, and supervision efforts.
• Creates a strong, mutually supportive work spirit and culture where people can do their best.
• Establishes trust and inspires others.
• Makes effective organization and people decisions in a manner consistent with REI's values and ethics.
• Delivers on commitments and holds others to same.
• Champions the organization and advocates solutions in the overall Company's best interest.
• Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities.
• Consolidates information from various sources including feedback from others to reach sound decisions.
• Considers the ultimate impact of decisions and actions on internal and external customers.
• Fosters change in company direction.
• Effectively plans and executes changes.

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.  

Pay Transparency 

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.   

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.  Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.