3PL Day Operations Manager

General Overview

Functional Area: Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Career Stream: Logistics (LOG)
Role: Manager 2 (MG2)
Job Title: Manager, Supply Chain Logistics & Warehouse 2
Job Code: MG2-SCM-LWAR
Job Level: Level 10
Direct/Indirect Indicator: Indirect

Summary

The 3PL Day Operations Manager reports directly to the 3PL Operations Manager and is responsible for the direct tactical oversight of our contracted Third-Party Logistics (3PL) partner during their assigned shift. This role serves as the on-the-floor point of contact to ensure the 3PL vendor executes daily operational plans, meets hourly throughput targets, and maintains strict adherence to quality and safety standards. The Supervisor monitors real-time shift performance, addresses immediate operational bottlenecks, and ensures accurate data capturing to support long-term vendor management strategies.

Detailed Description

Shift Handover & Alignment: Lead shift kickoff meetings with 3PL floor leads to pass down volume expectations, special processing instructions, carrier arrival schedules, and key focus areas for the shift.

Real-Time Floor Monitoring: Spend 70–80% of the shift on the warehouse floor actively observing 3PL labor, monitoring dock activity, verifying picking/packing pace, and resolving immediate operational bottlenecks.

Systems & Workflow Auditing: Monitor real-time WMS order queues, ensuring orders move smoothly from drop to shipment and identifying stuck or delayed orders before cut-off deadlines.

Quality & Safety Audits: Conduct random daily quality checks on outbound shipments (correct packaging, labeling, and palletization) and ensure 3PL staff are adhering to facility safety protocols (PPE, equipment operation, clear aisles).

Dock & Freight Verification: Oversee daily inbound dock-to-stock timing and outbound staging areas, ensuring freight is accurately scanned, loaded, and driver sign-offs (BOLs) are properly executed.

Shift Reporting & Documentation: Complete a comprehensive end-of-shift report capturing completed throughput vs. targets, backlogs, labor hours, safety incidents, and open issues to hand off to the incoming supervisor and 3PL Operations Manager.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Shift Performance Monitoring: Ability to track real-time operational workflows (receiving, picking, packing, shipping) against daily targets and identify immediate bottlenecks.

• Tactical Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to deliver clear shift handoffs, handle real-time escalations, and direct 3PL floor leadership effectively.

• Problem-Solving & Agility: Strong troubleshooting skills to resolve immediate system mismatches, inventory discrepancies, or operational delays during production hours.

• Inventory Control Basics: Knowledge of inventory practices, including cycle counting support, dock-to-stock metrics, and basic system reconciliation between company ERP and 3PL WMS.

• Safety & Compliance: A thorough understanding of OSHA guidelines, warehouse safety protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Physical Demands

• Active Floor Presence: Ability to walk, stand, and navigate active warehouse floors for the majority of the assigned shift to observe operations and perform physical audits.

• Physical Maneuvering: Occasional bending, reaching, and lifting of light objects (up to 25 lbs) during inventory verifications or quality inspections.

• Environment Resilience: Capability to work comfortably throughout the shift in a dynamic warehouse environment subject to seasonal temperature variations, dust, and continuous noise from material handling equipment.

• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work the designated hours of the assigned shift, including potential overtime or schedule adjustments during peak seasonal volume surges.

Typical Experience

• Warehouse Leadership: 3+ years of experience in warehousing, fulfillment, or logistics operations, with at least 1–2 years in a team lead, coordinator, or supervisory capacity.

• 3PL Interaction: Previous experience working within or alongside a 3PL-operated environment is highly preferred.

• System Familiarity: Practical, daily experience utilizing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and RF scanning equipment to track inventory and labor productivity.

Typical Education

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent combined with robust, relevant floor leadership experience.

• Preferred: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Operations, or a related field.

• Preferred Certifications: Forklift safety certification, First Aid/CPR certification, or introductory training in Lean/5S principles.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.