Senior Supervisor, Distribution
Pivot Bio
About Pivot Bio:
Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology, genomics, crop nutrition and agriculture, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops. We are dedicated to providing new solutions for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.
The Senior Supervisor, Distribution is a key role responsible for the oversight and execution of all warehousing, inventory management, and transportation operations. This individual will partner with cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure distribution operations align with company growth, cost-efficiency, and customer service objectives. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with advanced inventory management strategies, managing contract labor, optimizing transportation processes, and leveraging WMS/TMS platforms—along with a deep understanding of domestic and international shipping.
This role is onsite in Hazelwood, MO.
Essential Functions
Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Oversee daily distribution center operations, ensuring effective execution of receiving, storage, order fulfillment, and shipping processes.
- Establish and enforce SOPs, safety protocols, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance procedures.
- Drive inventory accuracy through cycle counts, reconciliation processes, root cause analysis, and cross-functional alignment with planning and procurement.
- Manage and maintain inventory storage conditions, including temperature and hazard compliance
- Set and monitor KPIs such as dock-to-stock time, pick accuracy, and warehouse utilization; implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs
- Lead seasonal and contingency planning to ensure business continuity and service level performance.
Logistics & Transportation
- Plan and manage inbound and outbound shipments—LTL, FTL, parcel, and international freight.
- Partner with carriers, 3PLs, customs brokers, and freight forwarders to meet delivery deadlines and reduce transportation costs.
- Track and report transportation performance metrics (e.g., OTIF, cost per shipment, damage rate) and lead continuous improvement efforts.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (Sales, Customer Service, Planning) to ensure delivery commitments align with customer expectations and business priorities.
Contract Workforce & Team Leadership
- Manage and coordinate activities of seasonal contract labor workforce.
- Collaborate with staffing agencies to ensure appropriate headcount, shift coverage, and performance.
- Train and mentor supervisors and associates to maintain high productivity and safety standards.
WMS & TMS Management
- Administer and optimize WMS and TMS platforms to streamline operations, improve visibility, and enhance reporting.
- Collaborate with IT, Supply Chain, and Customer Service teams to optimize end-to-end order flow and system integration.
- Lead or support systems implementations and upgrades.
- Ensure staff are properly trained on systems and processes.
- Use data and analytics to drive operational decisions, identify trends, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
International Shipping & Compliance
- Coordinate international shipments, ensuring documentation accuracy (commercial invoices, BOLs, packing lists).
- Maintain compliance with customs regulations, Incoterms, and trade compliance policies.
Competencies
Knowledge & Application
- Receives objective based assignments and determines resources to meet schedules and goals.
- Provides guidance to subordinates within the latitude of established company policies.
- Recommends changes to policies and establishes procedures that affect section or multiple disciplines.
- Decisions impact others in the immediate team and influences methods and techniques.
- Executes financials, business planning, organizational priorities and workforce.
Collaboration & Interaction
- Interacts frequently with subordinate supervisors, customers, and/or functional peer group professionals, involving matters between sections and multiple units.
- Partners with key contacts outside own area of expertise and other external stakeholders.
- Effectively communicates and presents results and recommendations across discipline.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Yes
Work Environment
- This role is based in a fast-paced, high-volume distribution center environment.
- Regularly exposed to varying warehouse conditions, including temperature fluctuations, noise, and industrial equipment.
- Frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs may be required.
- Requires flexibility to occasionally work extended hours, weekends, or holidays during peak periods or operational disruptions.
- Office and warehouse time is typically split, with an expectation of strong presence on the floor to engage with teams and lead operations.
- Travel required: Occasional travel to vendors or other corporate offices may be necessary (up to 10%).
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field
- 5 - 8 years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, warehousing, or logistics management.
- Demonstrated experience with contract labor management and seasonal high-volume distribution environments.
- Strong working knowledge of WMS and TMS platforms (e.g., NetSuite, Oracle, SAP).
- Experience in international shipping, customs processes, and trade compliance.
- Proven track record of driving process improvement and cost savings in a distribution/logistics setting.
- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Must be authorized to work in the United States
What We Offer:
- Work that makes an impact on food sustainability and climate change
- Competitive package in a disruptive startup
- Stock options
- Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employer-paid premiums
- Life, Short Term and Long Term Disability policies
- Employee Assistance Program with free referrals and discounts
- 401(k) plan, 3% Match
- Commuter benefits
- Annual Training & Development support
- Flexible vacation policy with a generous holiday schedule
- Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team
All remote positions and those not located in our Berkeley facility are paid based on National Benchmark data. Following employment, growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.