The Sr Manager DC OPS MHE is responsible for the performance, reliability, and lifecycle management of all material handling equipment (MHE), including conveyor automation systems, and Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) assets within distribution center (DC) operations. This role ensures that MHE and PIT capabilities support operational throughput, productivity, and service level targets while driving continuous improvement, safety, and cost efficiency.
The position serves as a key liaison between operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and external partners to optimize equipment performance and enable operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- MHE / PIT Operations & Performance Management: Own day-to-day performance, uptime, and reliability of MHE / PIT assets, monitor KPIs, lead root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
- Maintenance & Lifecycle Management: Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance, manage spare parts availability, and drive improvements in asset reliability and maintenance maturity.
- Vendor & External Partner Management: Manage external partners, vendor relationships, audits, performance reviews, service schedules, maintenance activities, system upgrades, and end-of-life equipment strategies.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Liaise between DC operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and external partners while establishing operating rhythms, escalation protocols, and communication processes.
- Process Improvement & Innovation: Identify automation, efficiency, and cost optimization initiatives; support new systems, retrofits, facility enhancements, and assigned projects.
- Finance and Cost Management: Develop and manage CAPEX and OPEX maintenance budgets, track spending and forecasts, identify savings, and manage external partner invoices.
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure MHE / PIT operations comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies, in partnership with HSE teams.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong technical expertise in MHE / PIT systems, powered industrial trucks, conveyor systems, and sortation technologies.
- Knowledge of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance practices.
- Vendor management, service-level governance, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
- Financial acumen related to cost management, budgeting, and capital investment decisions.
- Knowledge of MS Office, Smart Sheet, and AutoCAD.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, operations, or a related field, or equivalent technical experience.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in distribution center, manufacturing, or logistics operations with a strong focus on MHE / PIT operations.
- Hands-on experience managing or supporting MHE / PIT systems in high-volume environments.
- Experience with MHE/PIT and automation providers such as KNAPP or Honeywell.
- Experience managing vendors, contracts, or external service providers.
- Experience leading operations, equipment, or process-improvement projects.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The role regularly requires standing, walking long distances, using hands and fingers, reaching, and communicating. It may occasionally require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, sitting, and lifting or moving objects over 25 pounds. The employee may be exposed to hot or cold weather, moving mechanical parts, high places, and moderate or occasionally high noise levels.
Additional Information
This position requires full-time onsite presence five days per week at the distribution center. Additional hours and schedule flexibility may be required during peak operational periods.
adidas is an Equal Opportunity Employer that celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness, encourages individual expression, and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, disability, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase, education assistance, paid parental leave, paid holidays, flexible time off, and an annual bonus opportunity.