Job Description for pending open role at Microsoft

1. Position Title: Distribution Center Manager
Location: Multiple Global Locations
The Distribution Center Manager (On-Site) of Distribution is a key member of the leadership team. This
position will play a crucial role driving world class operations excellence managing distribution execution
and third party supplier performance at a regional level. The role will serve as a resident expert in multi-
channel consumer product distribution, International shipping, technology advancement, and analytics.
The Distribution Center Manager will possess:
• Experience managing best-in-class distribution functions in a multi-channel retail environment.
• Proven ability to operate effectively under complex and changing workflow situations.
• Proven track record of cost reduction strategies and execution in value added services.
• A demonstrated capability to successfully manage distribution, shipping, and order management
systems interfaces.
• An ability to establish and maintain strong relationships and communications with internal and external
business partners.
• Strong management, teamwork and interpersonal skills; must be able to develop self and others and
maintain effective working relationships up and down the organization as well as provide visible team
leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to analyze data, form conclusions, and
develop actionable recommendations in a timely manner.
Responsibilities:
• Management and Planning: Plans and directs the inventory and distribution of products for a particular
region and Distribution Center. Drive analytics to process improvements. Manage and execute to
performance metric goals, lead root cause analysis to enable change management, provide executive
updates to leadership, deliver forecasting, budgeting and operations financial analysis for continual
improvement.
• Customer Engagement: Act as communication liaison with key stakeholders, including internal and
external customers. Work with all levels of management and customers (internal and external), engage
with our customers to improve delivery and overall supply chain performance and ensure we can
support all customer specific Pick Pack and Ship requirements in a way which delivers value to both
customer and Microsoft. Collaborate with business units, distribution functions, and transportation to
develop and execute plans to achieve business objectives Supplier Management: Directly responsible
for leading 3PL operations execution, 3PL metrics measurement, process improvement, inventory
management, tactical prioritization, compliance assessment and financial management. Meeting
company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed by 3PL on an ongoing basis.
Overseeing 3PL performance to all work related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with MS
Company policies and procedures.
• Process Execution: Assures the timely and efficient distribution of products in order to attain maximum
profitability. Develops and implements changes for improved workflow processes. Works closely with
3PL Operations Managers and Supervisors to accomplish goals; continuously works with 3PL to
improve processes and controls; provides operational visibility and reporting; works as single point of
contact for all internal customers on issue resolution. Ensure inventory control and Microsoft/supplier
system alignment is maintained at pre-defined levels of accuracy, ensure cycle counting takes place as
per agreed schedules and that all transactions are compliant with MS processes and SOX
requirements.
• Security: Ensure Supplier meets or exceeds the Microsoft security requirements at all times.
• Subject Matter Expert: Serve as a functional expert in distribution, WMS/TMS systems, electronic data
interchange, metrics and distribution processes. Create and maintain strong cross functional teams and
strategic alliances to achieve objectives. Develop and implement operational and financial KPI’s for the
performance of function. Collaboratively influence changes within supply chain and external vendors.
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2. Qualifications:
 5+ years experience in distribution supply chain related functions preferably multi-channel retail,
ecommerce or manufacturer shipping direct to retail; Fortune 500 experience preferred.
 5+ years managing internal or outsourced high volume distribution, on-site distribution center
management (required)
 3+ years prior management experience with a minimum of 2+ direct reports (required).
 2+ years prior experience in reverse logistics.
 2+ years experience with WMS systems and tertiary understanding of ERP, TMS, EDI and
replenishment systems (required)
 Leadership with complex, cross functional projects including setting scope, reaching consensus,
execution, and presenting results (required)
 Experience with MS Office Applications, advanced knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project
preferred.
 2+ years experience responsibility for budgeting, P&L’s, and activity based costing
 Ability to write, speak and present effectively and persuasively at all levels
 Capable of effectively leading, developing and motivating a team
 Strong critical thinking and resolution in sometimes ambiguous situations
 Self-driven initiative to gain and share a broader knowledge of supply chain
 Travel required up to 30% and potential relocation among company locations.
Education:
• Bachelors degree in business, supply chain, operations management, or engineering
• MBA preferred but not required
This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work preformed by
employees within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary based on
assignment or group.
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