Dist Ops and WMS Transformation Leader

Distribution Operations & WMS Transformation Leader (Manhattan SCALE)

Company Description

Books-A-Million, Inc. is the second-largest book retailer in the United States, with more than 200 stores across 32 states and an established e-commerce presence at BooksAMillion.com. The company also operates 2nd & Charles, a new and used bookstore known for its pop-culture focus and buy, sell, and trade model, with over 40 locations in 18 states. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Books-A-Million began in Florence, Alabama, in 1917 and has grown into a nationally recognized retail brand with more than a century of history. The company continues to expand its retail footprint across both brands through ongoing store growth initiatives.

American Wholesale Book Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Books-A-Million, supports all Books-A-Million brands through its enterprise distribution and supply chain operation. Located in Florence, Alabama, American Wholesale Book Company is responsible for end-to-end fulfillment and distribution for Books-A-Million’s retail and e-commerce channels. As part of its continued growth and modernization, the company is enhancing its warehouse management systems and evaluating additional automation initiatives to improve efficiency, scalability, and service levels. This Distribution Operations & WMS Transformation Leader role is based at the American Wholesale Book Company distribution center in Florence, supporting retail and e-commerce operations.

Job Description

The Distribution Operations & WMS Transformation Leader will collaborate closely with Distribution Center leadership to align the implementation and operational adoption of Manhattan SCALE with day-to-day operational priorities while serving as the on-site subject matter expert and operational super user for the system. This leader will work directly with managers and associates to ensure all functional areas are confidently executing within the new environment, reinforcing standard processes, troubleshooting workflow issues, and driving adoption on the floor. The role will support training efforts and provide day-to-day guidance to a small group of designated super users selected from the current team to promote consistency and effective system utilization. While initially focused on system rollout and stabilization, the position will expand into increased operational leadership responsibilities, supporting performance, process discipline, and continuous improvement within the distribution center.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site subject matter expert and operational super user for Manhattan SCALE within the distribution center
• Collaborate with DC leadership to align system functionality with operational priorities and daily execution
• Partner directly with the Manhattan platform team/vendor to support system configuration, issue resolution, and ongoing optimization
• Support effective adoption of the WMS by reinforcing standard processes and resolving workflow issues
• Provide guidance to designated super users to promote consistent system utilization across shifts
• Monitor system-driven operational metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement
• Participate in routine operational meetings to provide WMS insight and performance visibility
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred
• Significant hands-on experience with Manhattan SCALE WMS in a distribution center environment required
• Experience supporting or participating in a WMS implementation or go-live event strongly preferred; experience with other WMS platforms will be considered
• Experience serving as a go-to operational resource for WMS-related processes within a distribution center
• Strong understanding of distribution center workflows including inbound, outbound, inventory control, and labor reporting
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations leadership, associates, and external system partners

Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in a fast-paced distribution center environment with frequent walking, standing, and occasional sitting
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to support operational activities
• Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs dictate
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures, including hot and cold conditions
• Ability to safely work around powered industrial equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors)
• Ability to visually monitor operations and read screens, reports, and safety signage
• Ability to communicate effectively in a noisy distribution center environment
• Exposure to moving machinery, dust, and typical distribution center conditions

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and holidays
• BAM discounts, pet insurance, and access to the Associate Assistance Fund
• Free counseling sessions covering mental health, financial, legal, and other personal needs