Director, Warehouse Operations – Alberta
Location: Edmonton OR Calgary, Alberta | Full-Time, Permanent | 100% Onsite
The Opportunity
Insight Recruitment is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Director of Warehouse Operations to lead multi-site warehousing and distribution operations across Alberta.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, hands-on operations leader who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and knows how to turn operational challenges into measurable results.
This position offers the flexibility to be based in either Edmonton or Calgary, with responsibility for warehouse operations across both locations.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will oversee multiple facilities and lead site Operations Managers, driving operational excellence, safety, productivity and continuous improvement.
We are looking for a leader who sees the big picture without losing sight of the details - someone who can build high-performing teams, optimize resources, embrace technology and implement scalable processes that support long-term operational success.
Key Responsibilities
Multi-Site Operations Leadership
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple warehouse and distribution facilities in Edmonton and Calgary.
- Lead, mentor and develop site Operations Managers, establishing clear performance expectations and accountability.
- Oversee daily warehouse operations, ensuring operational efficiency, service excellence and consistent execution across all locations.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with broader business objectives.
- Drive workforce planning, resource allocation and productivity improvements across facilities.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) relating to productivity, labour efficiency, inventory accuracy, service levels and operating costs.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen operational performance.
- Leverage Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), data analytics, automation and AI-enabled workflows to streamline operations.
- Support the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI tools and automated reporting, scheduling and exception-management processes.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and operational excellence.
Customer Service & Business Growth
- Ensure operational resources and processes consistently meet client requirements and service expectations.
- Partner with Customer Service and other departments to drive best-in-class inventory and order accuracy, targeting 99%+ accuracy.
- Lead the operational implementation of new client accounts, including facility planning, labour requirements, WMS configuration and successful onboarding.
- Contribute to business development initiatives and support opportunities for operational growth.
Warehouse Capacity, Infrastructure & Safety
- Optimize warehouse capacity, space utilization, inventory placement and slotting strategies across facilities.
- Lead peak-season planning to ensure facilities can meet changing business demands.
- Oversee material handling equipment, preventive maintenance, facility infrastructure and capital investment planning.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, standard operating procedures, health and safety regulations and established operational standards.
- Champion a strong safety culture across all warehouse locations.
People Leadership & Financial Performance
- Develop and coach high-performing warehouse leadership teams.
- Partner with HR on recruitment, employee development, retention and workforce planning.
- Manage operating budgets, labour costs, productivity targets and overall financial performance.
- Use operational data and financial reporting to identify opportunities for improvement and support informed decision-making.
Qualifications & Experience
- 8+ years of progressive leadership experience within a warehouse, distribution or third-party logistics (3PL) environment.
- Proven experience managing multiple warehouse or distribution facilities is required.
- Strong background leading Operations Managers and multi-site teams.
- Experience overseeing warehouse productivity, inventory management, labour planning and operational performance.
- Strong working knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and inventory management processes.
- Demonstrated success implementing continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable operational efficiencies and cost savings.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost management, KPI development and operational reporting.
- Experience managing client relationships and supporting new client implementations within a 3PL environment.
- Knowledge of warehouse health and safety requirements, SOPs and operational compliance.
- Familiarity with AI tools, particularly Claude, and the ability to leverage automation and AI-enabled workflows to improve operational efficiency.
- Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce or a related discipline.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
The Leadership Profile
We're looking for a confident, results-driven leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational execution.
The ideal candidate will be:
- Hands-on and operationally focused, with the ability to remain connected to day-to-day warehouse activities while driving broader strategy.
- A strong people leader who develops, motivates and holds teams accountable.
- Analytical and financially astute, with a proven ability to improve productivity and profitability.
- Customer-focused, with a strong understanding of service delivery expectations in a 3PL environment.
- Forward-thinking and technologically curious, with an interest in automation, AI and process innovation.
- Adaptable, collaborative and comfortable managing competing priorities across multiple locations.
Interested in Learning More?
If you're an accomplished warehouse operations leader with multi-site 3PL experience and are ready to take on a broader leadership mandate, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.
Candidates based in either Edmonton or Calgary are encouraged to apply. This is a fully onsite position with oversight of facilities in both cities.
