Job Description
Job Description
Summary:
The Operations Manager leads day-to-day warehouse & shipping operations for a fast-paced commercial aircraft engine and engine-parts sales environment. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient storage, packing, and shipment of aviation parts while maintaining rigorous traceability and documentation standards. You will manage a small to mid-size team, own performance metrics such as but not limited to (on time shipment, inventory accuracy, cycle counts), and partner closely with Quality, Sales, and Repair departments to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership & Safety
- Supervise and assist with daily activities of all shipping and warehouse associates.
- Ensure the process of shipping materials meet QMS requirements and customer requirements.
- Supervise, schedule, and develop warehouse associates (shipping, material handlers, lift truck drivers).
- Lead daily safety meetings for operations team, report outcomes and KPI’s to direct reports
- Implement safety, OSHA, and facility rules; lead daily huddles, and incident reporting.
- Drive 5S/lean practices, housekeeping, and equipment upkeep (forklifts, pallet jacks, racks, inventory storage).
- Administer good housekeeping practices and uniform standards to employees.
- Train, evaluate, and develop new employees in accordance with established procedures.
- Share regular feedback with staff including timely completion of employee performance appraisals.
- Complete all required management reports.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Shipping & Compliance
- Ability to process all types of transactions in Quantum.
- Oversee accurate storage, pre-packing inspection, picking, packaging (ATA Spec 300), carrier processing and tendering.
- Ensure shipments comply with IATA/ICAO DGR and DOT 49 CFR requirements; manage DG documentation, labeling, and segregation where applicable.
- Execute export controls screening (EAR/ITAR awareness), AES/ITN Filing, and correct use of export documentation (ECCN/HTS/INCOTERMS, commercial invoices.
- Manage the Inventory Cycle Counts Audit process.
- Manage the scrap process.
- Optimize bin locations, batch/lot/serial control, shelf-life/expiration, and segregation of serviceable vs. unserviceable parts, and flight vs. non-flight parts.
- Work with all departments within Willis Aero to provide customer support and information.
- Achieve On-Time shipments, In-Full shipping performance and same-day cutoffs.
- Prioritize critical orders; coordinate with Sales/Account Managers and Couriers/Freight Forwarders.
- Resolve exceptions (shortages, damages, delays) and drive CAPA with Quality & Carriers.
- Assure traceability documentation files, including scanning of documents, are maintained.
- Image shipping records, BOLs, airway bills, customs documents, and invoices IAW established procedures.
- Manage and facilitate performance of operations personnel.
- Communication of work progress and significant issues with the Senior Director, Quality & Operations.
- Track KPIs and implement lean projects to improve throughput, accuracy, and on time shipment.
- Manage and purchase packaging & shipping supplies, compliance with packaging specifications & special requirements (FOD prevention, SUPS detection, ESD, Hazmat) and freight cost optimization.
- Core Competencies
- Leadership & Coaching: sets expectations, holds teams accountable, mentors for skill growth.
- Quality & Compliance Mindset: zero-defect documentation, packaging, and follows QMS/SOPs rigorously.
- Operational Excellence: plans labor, balances priorities, and removes bottlenecks.
- Customer Focus: responsive to critical needs with calm, professional communication.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Inventory accuracy & cycle count effectiveness
- Dock-to-stock and order cycle time
- Picking/packing accuracy (claims/returns rate)
- Freight / shipment delivery accuracy & packaging correctly (0% defect due to packaging)
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Onsite warehouse environment; standing/walking most of shift.
- Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs (team-lift for heavier items); use of forklifts and material-handling and packaging equipment.
- Exposure to typical warehouse conditions; use of PPE as required (ESD, gloves, safety shoes).
- Occasionally work outside of normal business hours to support critical shipments.
- Excellent supervisory and interpersonal skills.
- Working knowledge of ASA-100/AC 00-56 traceability and aviation documentation (8130-3, EASA Form 1).
- Practical experience with IATA/ICAO DGR and DOT 49 CFR hazmat shipping (air/ground); ability to recognize DG classes and packaging/marking needs.
- Proficiency in ERP (Component Control Quantum strongly preferred), scanning, and MS Office Workspace.
- Strong understanding of export compliance basics (EAR/ITAR awareness, denied-party screening, Incoterms).
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 5+ years in warehouse / logistics / shipping, preferably in aviation aftermarket or aerospace distribution.
- 1–3+ years in a lead/supervisory capacity with direct reports.
- English fluency (written & verbal); strong documentation accuracy.
Travel:
- As required.