Operations Manager (Automation & Transformation) - Distribution Centre NSW

The ROLE

With a focus on delivering our Vision2025+ strategy, along with the evolution of our transport and supply chain operating model, the Operations Manager - Automation will be critical in ensuing we deliver customer experiences like no other.

Reporting to the NSW Distribution Centre Manager, you will be responsible for the operational execution of the NSW Distribution Centre operations. Preparing for the transition from a manual warehouse online fulfillment and store replenishment site to a semi-automated warehouse including inbound putaway, replenishment (manual) and online fulfillment (automated), store replenishment and cross dock of vendor products pre-picked for stores.

The new operation will also consolidate Vendor flow through deliveries and support import processing.  Your team will ensure cost effective product availability, a consistently high level of service and operational excellence to ensure our omnichannel teams can deliver outstanding experiences for our customers.  This role will be crucial in ensuring that we deliver for the now while having one eye on emerging trends across transport and supply chain.

 What YOUR DAY LOOKS LIKE

• Oversee end-to-end warehouse operations including inbound, storage, picking, packing, dispatch, and returns.
• Leverage emerging business capabilities to support the achievement of customer and commercial targets.
• Ensure clear Standard Operating Processes, End to end Exception Management are aligned across David Jones. Supported by Clear SLA KPIs and Reporting
• Ensure optimal performance of automated systems (e.g. AutoStore - GTP, conveyors, robotics, and the integrated WCS software to the WMS).
• Lead the Distribution Centre with a strong focus on safety and employee well-being, ensuring compliance with all site safety protocols and fostering a safe, supportive environment.
• Understand the automation methodology to ensure inventory is processed effectively as well as establishing strong relationships between the automation provider and the leadership team to ensure seamless maintenance and support for the equipment.
• Ensure all AS-IS processes are documented, fully optimised with key performance metrics
• Plan and execute required improvement measures, including operational delivery, efficiency and brand/product operating requirements.
• Ensure profitability of the operation, applying sound budgeting principles to an annual budget and controlling operating expenses and productivity to strike the balance of cost/service.
• Develop the team capability across DC Operations, which includes Managers, Supervisors, and Team Managers and ensuring clear leadership for the team on training and development planning and execution
• Participate in automation testing before and during implementation to ensure effectiveness of the new system.
• Through the use of data, understand all critical paths to unlock commercial efficiency opportunities

• Manage inventory allocation, inventory flow and operational flow to manage the overall system to achieve efficiency in the end-end operations
• Ensure service level commitments are satisfied, and service, sustainability and financial targets are achieved
• Strategically deliver David Jones strategy including all transformation programs supporting Vision 2025+
• Serve as a key contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding asset performance, service, maintenance and issue resolution.
• Support business continuity plans and peak period readiness (e.g. promotions, holiday seasons).
• Identify operational inefficiencies and lead Lean or Six Sigma projects to improve workflows.
• Collaborate with IT, engineering, and supply chain teams on system improvements and new technology rollouts.
• Analyse operational data and trends to inform strategic planning and daily decision-making.

What YOU’LL NEED TO THRIVE

• Customer centric thinking and approach
• Experience in leading an automated Warehouse for online fulfillment and store replenishment. Preferably Retail, Omni-Channel, eCommerce and multi-brand warehousing
• Experience working within an Automated Distribution Centre with operational knowledge of the automation and inventory interdependencies.
• Expert Safety Leadership, including all PCBU requirements for site safety governance.
• Experience in leading large teams (100+) and building high performing and engaged teams up to Leadership levels.
• Experience with implementing Continuous Improvement programs or methodologies, including delivery of CI programs through teams/direct reports.
• Experience in commercial management (operational) including Budget build (annual cycle) and active management of cost and productivity measures for a DC
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Passion for working collaboratively across various business functions and teams
• Excellent Stakeholder Management, partnering and relationship building capabilities
• Data driven insights
• Digital Fluency
• Demonstrable business & industry knowledge I supply chain and automation
• Experience with integration of Tier 1 systems WMS and WCS
• Excellent analytical and financial acumen.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Why DAVID JONES

Our purpose at David Jones is to ‘inspire like no other’, and culturally we aspire to be THRIVING.  In our thriving culture, our people will be at their best as individuals and as teams.  Our thriving cultural foundations are defined by the behaviours each and every one of us display.  It’s our commitment and responsibility to ensure that as individuals and as a collective, that we are living our cultural foundations.

• Unique opportunity to be part of a highly engaged, successful team, focused on the transformation of an iconic Australian brand
• A competitive remuneration package including performance-based incentives
• Parental leave policy of 18-weeks paid leave for the primary carer, and 3-weeks paid leave for the supporting partner
• Generous employee discounts across David Jones and access to partner benefits
• An additional day of leave for your birthday along with time to support charitable work
• Opportunities to support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility program
• Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices, driving change in the retail landscape
• Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

About US

Since 1838, David Jones’ limitless quest for innovation and progress established the brand as Australia’s original influencer in fashion and lifestyle. Having revolutionised the way Australians shop, David Jones’ creation of a social centre inspired and created lasting memories for past, present and future generations. Today, our vision to inspire Like No Other drives us to continue this legacy in our ambitious purpose to be the destination that inspires, with experiences and services Like No Other.

Our Thriving cultural pillars inspire our people to deliver on our vision and purpose.  We are Customer Obsessed; curious to understand and dedicated to delighting them with seamless solutions as one team. We care for our people, customers, partners and community by creating Inclusive environments through belonging and respect. We Empower with implied trust to act with integrity, value our unique skills and be accountable for our decisions.  We constantly seek Innovative ways of improving, changing and exploring ways that we can inspire.

David Jones is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.