Distribution Center Manager

Morgan McKinley is exclusively representing a key client in the distribution sector in the appointment of a Distribution Centre Manager for their South Dublin operation.

Our client is a well-established and market-leading distribution business with a strong national footprint. Due to continued growth and strategic focus on operational excellence, they are seeking a high-calibre Distribution Centre Manager to lead and optimise their South Dublin facility.

This role requires a strong, visible leader with a hands‑on management style and deep systems expertise, particularly across SAP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

• Lead and manage all day‑to‑day DC operations including inbound, storage, picking, packing, and outbound distribution.
• Ensure on‑time, in‑full (OTIF) delivery performance in line with agreed customer service levels.
• Translate business objectives into clear operational plans and KPIs.
• Drive operational stability while supporting scalability and future growth.

• Lead, coach, and develop DC supervisors, team leaders, and operational teams.
• Build a high‑performance, safety‑first culture aligned with Rexel values.
• Manage workforce planning, rostering, absence management, and productivity.
• Conduct performance reviews, disciplinary processes, and succession planning.
• Promote engagement, communication, and continuous skills development.

• Ensure full compliance with Irish Health & Safety legislation, Rexel Group H&S standards, and internal policies.
• Act as the senior accountable person for DC safety performance.
• Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, audits, and corrective actions.
• Promote a proactive safety culture with visible leadership and accountability.

• Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy, stock integrity, and traceability.
• Oversee cycle counting, stock adjustments, and root cause analysis of discrepancies.
• Ensure effective use and maintenance of warehouse equipment, racking, and automation (where applicable).
• Protect company assets and minimise shrinkage and damage.
• Manage the DC operating budget, including labour, transport, consumables, and overheads.
• Identify and deliver cost‑saving initiatives without compromising safety or service.
• Track and report operational KPIs, productivity, and cost‑to‑serve metrics.
• Support capital investment business cases for equipment, systems, or infrastructure.
• Ensure effective use of WMS, ERP, and reporting tools.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Analyse operational data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support change initiatives such as new DC processes, system upgrades, or network changes.

• Work closely with Transport, Customer Service, Sales, Procurement, and Finance teams.
• Act as the key operational contact for internal and external audits.
• Manage third‑party service providers where applicable (transport, maintenance, labour agencies).
• Communicate clearly with senior management on performance, risks, and improvement plans.

• Proven experience managing a distribution centre or warehouse operation, ideally in FMCG, electrical wholesale, or B2B distribution.
• Strong people leadership experience in a high‑volume environment.
• Solid understanding of warehouse operations, inventory management, and transport coordination.
• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and best practice.
• Experience working with WMS/ERP systems and operational KPIs.
• Strong leadership and decision‑making capability.
• Results‑driven with a continuous improvement mindset.
• High level of personal accountability and integrity.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead through change and ambiguity. xcfaprz
• Lean / Continuous Improvement training or certification.