Warehouse Operations Manager Job at Cadence Inc in Wheeling

Position Title:

Warehouse Operations Manager Event Production

Who We Are:

We are a small event production company with 30 years of experience producing corporate meetings, tradeshows, and entertainment events for high-profile clients like the NCAA, NHL, and major music festivals. Our work is fast-paced and operates around the clock, where tight deadlines and high standards are the norm. In our culture, "work hard/play harder" means stepping up during crunch times and taking pride in delivering exceptional results. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and lead by example, this role is for you.

Summary of Position:

Take charge of the operational and logistical functions of our warehouse, with a focus on hands-on management of rental inventory, client-owned assets, logistics planning, and event-specific scheduling. This role blends leadership with active participation, requiring someone who can not only guide a small team but also contribute directly to daily tasks and workflows while demonstrating a strong understanding of inventory and rental management fundamentals.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

• Maintain the accuracy of Flex Inventory Management Software, with a focus on rental inventory and client-owned assets.
• Develop and communicate Weekly/Daily/Monthly goals to staff and management.
• Establish and enforce safety guidelines and operational best practices.
• Continuously assess and improve warehouse efficiency, workflows, and policies.
• Ensure the facility is clean, safe, and hazard-free, addressing repairs promptly.
• Act as a point of escalation to resolve daily operational issues and discrepancies.

Logistics & Event Support:

• Schedule and manage trucks for inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Manage cross-rental orders, coordinating with vendors and production teams to meet event requirements.
• Schedule on-premise temp labor and onsite local labor as needed for event production.
• Prepare and present estimates and schedules for labor, trucks, and cross-rental needs, ensuring alignment with project budgets and timelines.
• Oversee the loading/unloading process, ensuring proper tracking of returned rental inventory and assessing for damages.
• Coordinate storage and retrieval of client-owned assets to support event timelines.

Hands-On Contribution:

• Actively participate in warehouse operations, including shipping/receiving, inventory management, and equipment preparation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues on the ground as they arise.

Team Management:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop warehouse staff, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive training programs for team members.
• Monitor performance, delegate tasks, and ensure deadlines are met consistently.
• Advocate for continuous improvement and foster team buy-in for policy changes.

Financial & Administrative Oversight:

• Manage physical inventory schedules and processes, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Create and track purchase orders, coordinating with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor inbound shipments, communicating progress to relevant teams.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, particularly in freight and supply chain management.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in warehouse or logistics management, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; expertise with inventory management software (Flex experience preferred).
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate teams while actively participating in operations.
• Certifications: Forklift and reach truck certification required.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of inventory and rental management fundamentals and workflow logic. Familiarity with Kaizen and Kanban methodologies is a strong plus.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods during events, and work in various noisy environments.

Key Traits for Success:

• A hands-on leader who thrives in a small-team environment.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in logistics and inventory management.
• Adaptable to changing priorities, particularly during event production.
• Excellent communicator, capable of working across departments and with external partners.
• Enthusiastic about building efficiency and driving continuous improvement.

Work Environment & Schedule:

This is an on-site leadership position that requires flexibility to accommodate event schedules, including occasional evenings and weekends. A combination of desk work, on-the-floor management, and event site support is typical.