The Distribution Supervisor will oversee a wide variety of distribution activities, including the receipt, storage, movement, and delivery of manufacturing materials & supplies, as well as general business supplies & parcels. Responsible for maintaining inventory and associated records. May assist a higher-level supervisor.
What we’re looking for
Education: College associate or bachelor’s degree in administration, logistics, supply chain, or related field preferred.
Experience: 3 years of experience of warehouse supervisory. Preferable, in the pharmaceutical or distribution environment. (Operations including receiving, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory control.)
One year of strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and familiarity with enterprise systems such as Outlook & logistics systems.
Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), labor management systems (LMS), and RF scanning technology.
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
Solid understanding of warehouse operations, inventory control, and distribution processes.
Proven problem-solving and analytical thinking skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues and implement effective solutions.
Strong team player with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrates a positive, professional attitude and a strong commitment to customer service and operational excellence.
Excellent organizational and time management skills; able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and perform under pressure.
Practices attentive and active listening, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Maintains composure and a positive demeanor during high-pressure situations or operational challenges.
Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and business needs.
Ability to move freely throughout the warehouse and perform physical tasks, including lifting and handling heavy packages and equipment.
Certified or able to be certified to operate forklifts and warehouse vehicles.
How you will thrive and create an impact
Supervise and coordinate daily warehouse operations including receiving, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory control.
Utilize Labor Management tools to monitor associate productivity, identify performance trends, and implement improvement strategies.
Analyze labor metrics and operational data to identify performance gaps, workflow inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement.
Provide training and ongoing support to material handlers and team leads on LMS tools, reporting dashboards, and productivity best practices.
Generate and distribute daily, weekly, and monthly productivity reports to support operational decision-making.
Drive Continuous Improvement, use LMS insights to support labor optimization initiatives, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall warehouse performance.
Utilize strong communication, coaching, and motivational strategies to lead, guide, and, when appropriate, correct warehouse personnel, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
Maintain a strong presence on the warehouse floor to address employee inquiries, assess workflow efficiency, and proactively resolve operational issues.
Evaluate current warehouse procedures and recommend enhancements to the Operations Director to optimize productivity, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Strategically allocate equipment and coordinate with the Maintenance Technician to ensure optimal functionality and adherence to a preventive maintenance schedule.
Work closely with other departmental leaders to align warehouse operations with broader organizational goals. Participate in planning meetings to support strategic initiatives.
Ensure timely preparation, distribution, and maintenance of all warehouse activity reports and personnel records. Monitor performance metrics and ensure alignment with operational goals and standards.
Conducts daily reviews of warehouse operations to ensure the facility remains clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.
Proactively identifies and addresses potential risks to prevent damage to products, equipment, and infrastructure
Use of Warehouse Management System ensures proper stock rotation and assists maintaining accurate adjustments to inventory.
Engages positively with associates, clients, and suppliers to foster strong working relationships.
Maintains a warm, approachable demeanor and actively promotes a culture of cooperation, teamwork, and mutual respect—even in high-pressure situations.
Support overall warehouse operations and organizational. Performs other duties as assigned.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT (Under Typical Positions)
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an associate may encounter while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly exposed to a warehouse and industrial environment. This includes working near moving mechanical equipment, with a consistently high noise level. The role may involve working at heights, exposure to temperature variations, and operating powered industrial vehicles. Associates may also be exposed to dust, fumes, or gases. The position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday. Physical tasks may include lifting, carrying, and handling packages or equipment, some of which may be heavy. The associate must also be capable of freely moving throughout the facility and operating warehouse vehicles such as forklifts.
This position requires associates to perform a variety of physical activities throughout the workday. These include the ability to speak, hear, bend, stoop, squat, crawl, climb to heights, reach above shoulder level, crouch, kneel, balance, and push or pull objects.
Associates must be capable of lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 75 pounds, with or without assistance. The role also involves repetitive use of both hands for tasks such as grasping and manipulating objects, as well as repetitive use of both feet for operating foot controls.
Visual requirements include the ability to maintain close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the capacity to adjust focus as needed for various tasks.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Why Avantor?
Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!
EEO Statement:
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.
3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:
By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.