Sr. Operations Manager

Job Description

Location: University Park, IL
Salary Range: $135,000 – $182,700 annually

About the Role

The Sr. Operations Manager is responsible for leading all operational, financial, and people objectives within a Fulfillment Center (FC). This role oversees either Inbound or Outbound operations and drives performance across safety, quality, customer experience, and productivity.

You will lead and develop a team of Operations Managers and Area Managers while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong business judgment, operational expertise, and the ability to inspire large teams in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Own safety, quality, performance, and customer experience for assigned operations (Inbound or Outbound).
• Drive Lean, process improvement, and quality initiatives to exceed business plan targets.
• Lead large-scale operational execution in a high-volume fulfillment environment.

People Leadership & Development

• Set clear expectations and performance standards for Operations and Area Managers.
• Coach, mentor, and develop leadership talent to build long-term bench strength.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle including hiring, performance management, promotions, and terminations.
• Foster positive employee relations and a high-performance culture.

Continuous Improvement & Strategy

• Develop and execute improvement plans leveraging ideas from Operations and Area Managers.
• Share best practices across departments, shifts, and the broader network.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Facilities, Safety, IT, and peer senior leaders to secure resources and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Lead change management efforts in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Lift and move items up to 49 pounds
• Regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching
• Walk up to 5+ miles per day in large facilities
• Work in distribution environments that may be noisy or not climate-controlled
• Safely access all areas of the building, including stairs and ladders

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree OR 2+ years of Amazon experience
• 7+ years of direct management experience in manufacturing, production, or distribution environments
• Experience leading salaried employees
• Experience with performance metrics, Lean methodologies, and process improvement
• Experience managing the full staffing lifecycle

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field
• MBA preferred
• Experience managing contingent workforce during peak seasons
• Strong decision-making ability in fast-changing environments
• Interest in long-term career growth through assignments in multiple FCs nationwide

Compensation & Benefits

Total compensation may include:

• Competitive base salary
• Sign-on bonuses
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Mental health support and EAP programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts