General Manager at Scope Recruiting – Piney Flats, Tennessee

Position Overview

A major retail fulfillment network is seeking a high-caliber General Manager to lead its flagship distribution center in Piney Flats, Tennessee. This facility is a massive, high-volume operation encompassing approximately 1 million square feet on over 100 acres. The site utilizes extensive racked shelving, multiple 7-mile conveyor systems, and continuous forklift movement to manage a variable-volume operation that runs 24/7 during peak periods.

The incoming General Manager will oversee a non-union workforce of 700–900 associates. This role is a "people-first" leadership opportunity, stepping into an environment that requires a leader capable of rebuilding trust and stabilizing the culture following recent leadership turnover.The Mandate

The mission for this role is as much about cultural transformation as it is about operational performance. The leadership team is prioritizing a candidate who can:

• Build Trust: Rebuild credibility on the floor through visible, approachable leadership and honest, two-way dialogue.

• Stabilize Culture: Move the environment toward one of open communication where employees feel respected and heard, rather than just managed to metrics.

• Deliver Results: Maintain high standards for safety, service, and cost while navigating the complexities of a large-scale fulfillment ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Site Leadership: Provide overall leadership for the facility, managing direct reports across Inbound, Outbound, Returns, QA, Inventory Control, and Transportation.

• Financial Ownership: Own the site P&L (excluding transportation), with accountability for a volume of approximately 16 million units at a target $2.17 cost per unit (CPU).

• Operational Strategy: Drive performance relative to flex labor standards and non-labor cost accounts, ensuring productivity shifts in line with volume fluctuations.

• Safety & Compliance: Integrate safety into daily routines, promoting a non-negotiable safe work environment through audits, coaching, and near-miss reporting.

• Continuous Improvement: Foster a Lean/Six Sigma mindset to drive structured, data-driven changes across core operations and support functions like Maintenance and ICQA.

• Systems Orchestration: Lead the implementation of capital projects and champion the adoption of technical systems, including Manhattan WMS and Verint for workforce management.

• Collaboration: Partner closely with HR, EHS, and corporate partners to address employee relations issues proactively and align cross-functional teams around shared priorities.

Candidate Profile

• Experience: Approximately 10 years in high-volume distribution or fulfillment.

• Leadership: At least 7 years of experience in people-leadership roles at scale, managing large, multi-shift teams.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; an MBA is preferred to support financial acumen and strategic thinking.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with distribution systems (WMS, LMS) and the ability to translate operational data into clear, actionable plans.

• Soft Skills: An inclusive, collaborative, and direct leadership style is essential for success.

Year One Success Metrics

• Demonstrable improvement in associate trust and engagement indicators.

• Clear, measurable safety performance and regulatory compliance.

• Achievement of flex labor expectations and key customer-service SLAs.

• Development of a more aligned, collaborative, and capable leadership bench.

Location & Benefits

• Location: Located in the Tri-Cities region (Tennessee), known for a cost of living 10–20% lower than regional hubs like Knoxville and 5–15% below the national average.

• Area Amenities: Proximity to Boone Lake, Cherokee National Forest, and several state historic sites.

• Compensation: Competitive base salary (M4 level) with a 25% bonus structure and 25% Long-Term Incentive (LTI) starting in 2027.

• Relocation: Full relocation assistance is provided.