Makita U.S.A., Inc. Career Opportunities
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Supervising and coaching a team.
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Managing a multi shift operation.
What following WMS or ERP systems do you have experience with?
Please note that this position is no longer available.
If you would like to be considered for similar opportunities now or in the future, feel free to apply and/or set up a notifier for yourself.
Western Distribution Manager
CA - La Mirada
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Opportunity Snapshot

This role offers you the opportunity to take ownership of our Western Distribution Center's daily operations and warehouse team, and make a strong and visible impact as a team-oriented leader and operational expert. You will leverage your proven leadership skill to coach, motivate and develop the team, Quick question for you - click here and your warehouse management ability and experience to manage costs, quality, safety and so much more. We recently launched a new WMS and you’ll play a key role in improving policies and procedures as you focus on continuous improvement. You'll also help us take our distribution center to the next level as we add a second shift. If you're not content simply maintaining the status quo and are driven to make you mark, this role could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Makita is a worldwide leader in the professional power tool industry. Over the past 98 years we've built a reputation for using the finest raw materials, the most advanced manufacturing equipment, and the most rigorous quality testing in the industry. Headquartered in La Mirada, CA, Makita U.S.A. has been bringing Makita's best-in-class engineering advantage to professional power tool users in America since 1970.

Pictured: the tools in this four-piece combo kit take advantage of an advanced LXT lithium-on battery; the 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the battery's built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life.

The Requirements

This could be an ideal role for a Distribution Manager who wants to make and impact in a growth environment, or an Assistant GM or Operations Manager looking to move up. To qualify for this role, at a minimum you will have:
  • A bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or three to five years of related experience and/or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience and training in a similar management role, preferably in a distribution center running two or more shifts.  Quick question for you - click here
  • Experience with one or more of the following: RFs / Manhattan (PKMS), Red Prairie, SAP, or similar warehouse management software (WMS). Quick question for you - click here
  • Project management experience.
  • Solid computer skills including MS Office Suite applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Word); the ability to build charts and databases is a plus. 
  • Attention to detail and good organizational and analytical skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build a high-performing team through supervising personnel, identifying skillsets and utilizing team talent to optimize productivity and efficiencies.
  • Strong problem solving skills, time management, and oral and written communication skills.
  • The ability to multitask, manage and meet deadlines.
  • Experience working within a fast-paced distribution center/warehouse environment. 
  • An understanding of radio frequencies and experience in a wireless RS environment is a strong advantage.
  • A commitment to the principles of continuous improvement; lean experience is a plus; Six Sigma Black or Green belt would be an advantage.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.
  • Fork lift certification.
In addition you should be willing to travel to visit other distribution centers and meet with other managers for training purposes. 

The Role

As Western Distribution Manager, you will report to the Director of Distribution and be responsible for the daily operation of the La Mirada Distribution Center. You will plan, direct, and coordinate all restocking and shipment activity through the direct supervision of 40 to 50 warehouse employees in a 100,000 square foot facility. We are currently running only one shift, but are preparing to add a second shift which you will help build and define, so that number will grow. Your overall mission is to provide daily support, direction and control activities within the distribution network in order to maintain/improve the efficient and economical utilization of facility resources and ensure proper distribution and delivery of outbound orders and inbound receipts.

Managing personnel will be key to your success and take the lion’s share of your time. You’ll have full supervisory responsibilities for both exempt and nonexempt employees, including interviewing, hiring, and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems, etc. Additionally, you'll work cross-functionally with multiple levels, titles, and departments. 

Specific duties and responsibilities will include:
  • Developing and maintaining distribution operations business plans to include all program requirements, labor hours, cycle, production costs, and image.
  • Providing support to ensure total commitment to a high level of quality distribution and leadership while meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
  • Providing input to the development of product strategy and research, and the development of new and emerging products.
  • Establishing production and quality control standards, developing budget and cost controls, and obtaining data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered.
  • Providing guidance to the development of a manufacturing process plan, including personnel requirements, material needs, subcontract requirements, facility needs, and tooling and equipment needs.
  • Suggesting changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase the efficiency of distribution center and its employees.
  • Ensuring all established costs, quality, and delivery commitments are met; establishing or adjusting work procedures to meet shipment schedules.
  • Interfacing with other departments to ensure Inter-Branch Transfers, DC Stock Orders and deadlines are met.
  • Coordinating distribution activities with all other functions of the organization and suppliers to obtain optimum production and utilization of human resources, machines, and equipment.
  • Reviewing production and operating reports and directing the resolution of operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems in order to ensure minimum costs and prevent operational delays.
  • Performing administrative activities associated with the effective management of shop operations, including compiling, storing, and retrieving production data for reports.
  • Determining the responsibilities of assigned organization and staff positions to accomplish business objectives; Initiating or suggesting plans to motivate workers to achieve goals.  
  • Analyzing, solving and assisting employees with work problem resolution.
  • Training and ensuring all assigned employees are aware of and comply with company, government, OSHA, and customer policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Interpreting company policies to workers and enforcing safety regulations; adhering to all safety procedures in the performance of job duties.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why Makita

Strong and visible impact: As already noted, we’re not looking for someone to maintain the status quo. You’ll have the chance influence change from the beginning as you manage your team, build KPIs, improve processes, etc. The bones are in place, but you will develop SOPs to standardize operations. This facility is attached to our corporate offices, meaning you will have higher visibility to leadership than other facilities. Your successes will be noticed. 

The best of both worlds: Makita U.S.A. has a strong brand presence, great reputation, and solid foundation. At the same time, they’ve been dedicated to R&D and product releases, and haven’t concentrated on operations as heavily. That means you’ll enjoy the foundation of a solid company with a history of success, while also embracing the entrepreneurial vision of a high-growth environment. The equipment is state of the art and we want state of the art processes and procedures too.

Autonomy and support: Your supervisor works out of Atlanta but visits approximately once per month. He believes in professional development (ongoing development is part of our culture) and is available via phone and email as needed. That means you'll enjoy a great deal of autonomy, but also have support when you need it. On the other side of the coin, that means you'll need to demonstrate self-motivation and initiative.   

Pride and brand recognition: Visit any construction site, and you're sure to encounter a variety of Makita tools. Our quality and performance has earned us a strongly respected reputation within the contractor community, which has persistently grown over the past 89 years and is certain to endure for many years to come as we continue to lead the industry with the introduction of high quality, innovative tools.

Career growth: The scope of this role offers an excellent opportunity to leverage your experience and showcase your abilities to build out the team and SOPs. Excel and you could position yourself for a variety of leadership roles and ongoing growth within the organization. We promote from within whenever possible.

Excellent compensation: In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401(k) and profit sharing plan; expense reimbursement plans; PTO; tuition reimbursement, and more.

Pictured: Makita created the industry's first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up of cordless tools in 2005 with the groundbreaking 18V LXT® Series. Today, Makita offers over 65 LXT tools with solutions for trades from concrete to commercial, automotive to residential construction, and they're all powered by one fast-charging 18V Lithium-Ion battery.

Keys to Success

To excel in this role you will be passionate about professional development, training, coaching and mentoring a team. This is a good group of people who have not had the solid leadership they deserve, and who will grow and develop with the right manager at the helm. Upon joining us, you'll want to jump in with both feet and gain the respect of the employees. This is a role where your ability to influence your team and other stakeholders across the company is just as important as your hard skills. If you can't build bridges and relationships, you are bound to fail. You’ll need a team oriented approach and a style that is fair, firm and consistent. Of course, you’ll also need the business acumen to ensure the center is running efficiently and economically, while also exceeding customer expectations.

Additionally, to be an outstanding Western Distribution Manager you will possess the following core competencies and characteristics:
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic
  • Exceptional interpersonal, relationship/team building abilities
  • Outstanding supervisory skills.
  • The ability to excel both independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills 

About Makita

Makita cordless tools are steadily emerging as the fastening system of choice within the assembly and manufacturing industries. While manufacturing processes were once dominated by air tools, manufacturers are recognizing the many advantages of using Makita cordless tools, such as reduced energy costs, more freedom and increased safety at the workplace. To meet the needs of today's manufacturers, Makita has developed a full range of assembly and manufacturing cordless power tools that are designed for precise torque accuracy. Makita cordless tools are your cost saving solutions.

Makita owes its reputation for manufacturing and distributing outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began over 85 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958 we introduced our first electric tool, and today we are one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers, with seven manufacturing facilities globally and a selection of more than 350 superior and innovative tools.

Believing that the motor is the heart of any power tool, we take great pride in our motor expertise. We spare no expense in producing the most powerful, efficient and best performing motors available for each tool, carefully selecting only the best quality raw materials, employing the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, and using the most stringent manufacturing processes and quality control in the industry. To make certain that our quality standards are upheld, constant testing is performed during machining and assembly processes, including a final run-test under power before leaving the factory to ensure optimum performance.

Our success comes not only from producing top quality tools, but also from our unparalleled customer service. From our customer service representatives to our extensive sales team to our R&D group, we are dedicated to delivering complete customer satisfaction. Makita USA is headquartered in La Mirada, California.

Pictured: Makita's product line is quite diverse; this 64 cc gas-powered chainsaw, for example, features a rugged cast cylinder and low-noise operation.

Opportunity Snapshot

This role offers you the opportunity to take ownership of our Western Distribution Center's daily operations and warehouse team, and make a strong and visible impact as a team-oriented leader and operational expert. You will leverage your proven leadership skill to coach, motivate and develop the team, Quick question for you - click here and your warehouse management ability and experience to manage costs, quality, safety and so much more. We recently launched a new WMS and you’ll play a key role in improving policies and procedures as you focus on continuous improvement. You'll also help us take our distribution center to the next level as we add a second shift. If you're not content simply maintaining the status quo and are driven to make you mark, this role could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Makita is a worldwide leader in the professional power tool industry. Over the past 98 years we've built a reputation for using the finest raw materials, the most advanced manufacturing equipment, and the most rigorous quality testing in the industry. Headquartered in La Mirada, CA, Makita U.S.A. has been bringing Makita's best-in-class engineering advantage to professional power tool users in America since 1970.

Pictured: the tools in this four-piece combo kit take advantage of an advanced LXT lithium-on battery; the 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger communicates with the battery's built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life.

The Requirements

This could be an ideal role for a Distribution Manager who wants to make and impact in a growth environment, or an Assistant GM or Operations Manager looking to move up. To qualify for this role, at a minimum you will have:
  • A bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or three to five years of related experience and/or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience and training in a similar management role, preferably in a distribution center running two or more shifts.  Quick question for you - click here
  • Experience with one or more of the following: RFs / Manhattan (PKMS), Red Prairie, SAP, or similar warehouse management software (WMS). Quick question for you - click here
  • Project management experience.
  • Solid computer skills including MS Office Suite applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Word); the ability to build charts and databases is a plus. 
  • Attention to detail and good organizational and analytical skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build a high-performing team through supervising personnel, identifying skillsets and utilizing team talent to optimize productivity and efficiencies.
  • Strong problem solving skills, time management, and oral and written communication skills.
  • The ability to multitask, manage and meet deadlines.
  • Experience working within a fast-paced distribution center/warehouse environment. 
  • An understanding of radio frequencies and experience in a wireless RS environment is a strong advantage.
  • A commitment to the principles of continuous improvement; lean experience is a plus; Six Sigma Black or Green belt would be an advantage.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.
  • Fork lift certification.
In addition you should be willing to travel to visit other distribution centers and meet with other managers for training purposes. 

The Role

As Western Distribution Manager, you will report to the Director of Distribution and be responsible for the daily operation of the La Mirada Distribution Center. You will plan, direct, and coordinate all restocking and shipment activity through the direct supervision of 40 to 50 warehouse employees in a 100,000 square foot facility. We are currently running only one shift, but are preparing to add a second shift which you will help build and define, so that number will grow. Your overall mission is to provide daily support, direction and control activities within the distribution network in order to maintain/improve the efficient and economical utilization of facility resources and ensure proper distribution and delivery of outbound orders and inbound receipts.

Managing personnel will be key to your success and take the lion’s share of your time. You’ll have full supervisory responsibilities for both exempt and nonexempt employees, including interviewing, hiring, and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems, etc. Additionally, you'll work cross-functionally with multiple levels, titles, and departments. 

Specific duties and responsibilities will include:
  • Developing and maintaining distribution operations business plans to include all program requirements, labor hours, cycle, production costs, and image.
  • Providing support to ensure total commitment to a high level of quality distribution and leadership while meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
  • Providing input to the development of product strategy and research, and the development of new and emerging products.
  • Establishing production and quality control standards, developing budget and cost controls, and obtaining data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered.
  • Providing guidance to the development of a manufacturing process plan, including personnel requirements, material needs, subcontract requirements, facility needs, and tooling and equipment needs.
  • Suggesting changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase the efficiency of distribution center and its employees.
  • Ensuring all established costs, quality, and delivery commitments are met; establishing or adjusting work procedures to meet shipment schedules.
  • Interfacing with other departments to ensure Inter-Branch Transfers, DC Stock Orders and deadlines are met.
  • Coordinating distribution activities with all other functions of the organization and suppliers to obtain optimum production and utilization of human resources, machines, and equipment.
  • Reviewing production and operating reports and directing the resolution of operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems in order to ensure minimum costs and prevent operational delays.
  • Performing administrative activities associated with the effective management of shop operations, including compiling, storing, and retrieving production data for reports.
  • Determining the responsibilities of assigned organization and staff positions to accomplish business objectives; Initiating or suggesting plans to motivate workers to achieve goals.  
  • Analyzing, solving and assisting employees with work problem resolution.
  • Training and ensuring all assigned employees are aware of and comply with company, government, OSHA, and customer policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Interpreting company policies to workers and enforcing safety regulations; adhering to all safety procedures in the performance of job duties.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why Makita

Strong and visible impact: As already noted, we’re not looking for someone to maintain the status quo. You’ll have the chance influence change from the beginning as you manage your team, build KPIs, improve processes, etc. The bones are in place, but you will develop SOPs to standardize operations. This facility is attached to our corporate offices, meaning you will have higher visibility to leadership than other facilities. Your successes will be noticed. 

The best of both worlds: Makita U.S.A. has a strong brand presence, great reputation, and solid foundation. At the same time, they’ve been dedicated to R&D and product releases, and haven’t concentrated on operations as heavily. That means you’ll enjoy the foundation of a solid company with a history of success, while also embracing the entrepreneurial vision of a high-growth environment. The equipment is state of the art and we want state of the art processes and procedures too.

Autonomy and support: Your supervisor works out of Atlanta but visits approximately once per month. He believes in professional development (ongoing development is part of our culture) and is available via phone and email as needed. That means you'll enjoy a great deal of autonomy, but also have support when you need it. On the other side of the coin, that means you'll need to demonstrate self-motivation and initiative.   

Pride and brand recognition: Visit any construction site, and you're sure to encounter a variety of Makita tools. Our quality and performance has earned us a strongly respected reputation within the contractor community, which has persistently grown over the past 89 years and is certain to endure for many years to come as we continue to lead the industry with the introduction of high quality, innovative tools.

Career growth: The scope of this role offers an excellent opportunity to leverage your experience and showcase your abilities to build out the team and SOPs. Excel and you could position yourself for a variety of leadership roles and ongoing growth within the organization. We promote from within whenever possible.

Excellent compensation: In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401(k) and profit sharing plan; expense reimbursement plans; PTO; tuition reimbursement, and more.

Pictured: Makita created the industry's first 18V Lithium-Ion line-up of cordless tools in 2005 with the groundbreaking 18V LXT® Series. Today, Makita offers over 65 LXT tools with solutions for trades from concrete to commercial, automotive to residential construction, and they're all powered by one fast-charging 18V Lithium-Ion battery.

Keys to Success

To excel in this role you will be passionate about professional development, training, coaching and mentoring a team. This is a good group of people who have not had the solid leadership they deserve, and who will grow and develop with the right manager at the helm. Upon joining us, you'll want to jump in with both feet and gain the respect of the employees. This is a role where your ability to influence your team and other stakeholders across the company is just as important as your hard skills. If you can't build bridges and relationships, you are bound to fail. You’ll need a team oriented approach and a style that is fair, firm and consistent. Of course, you’ll also need the business acumen to ensure the center is running efficiently and economically, while also exceeding customer expectations.

Additionally, to be an outstanding Western Distribution Manager you will possess the following core competencies and characteristics:
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic
  • Exceptional interpersonal, relationship/team building abilities
  • Outstanding supervisory skills.
  • The ability to excel both independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills 

About Makita

Makita cordless tools are steadily emerging as the fastening system of choice within the assembly and manufacturing industries. While manufacturing processes were once dominated by air tools, manufacturers are recognizing the many advantages of using Makita cordless tools, such as reduced energy costs, more freedom and increased safety at the workplace. To meet the needs of today's manufacturers, Makita has developed a full range of assembly and manufacturing cordless power tools that are designed for precise torque accuracy. Makita cordless tools are your cost saving solutions.

Makita owes its reputation for manufacturing and distributing outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began over 85 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958 we introduced our first electric tool, and today we are one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers, with seven manufacturing facilities globally and a selection of more than 350 superior and innovative tools.

Believing that the motor is the heart of any power tool, we take great pride in our motor expertise. We spare no expense in producing the most powerful, efficient and best performing motors available for each tool, carefully selecting only the best quality raw materials, employing the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, and using the most stringent manufacturing processes and quality control in the industry. To make certain that our quality standards are upheld, constant testing is performed during machining and assembly processes, including a final run-test under power before leaving the factory to ensure optimum performance.

Our success comes not only from producing top quality tools, but also from our unparalleled customer service. From our customer service representatives to our extensive sales team to our R&D group, we are dedicated to delivering complete customer satisfaction. Makita USA is headquartered in La Mirada, California.

Pictured: Makita's product line is quite diverse; this 64 cc gas-powered chainsaw, for example, features a rugged cast cylinder and low-noise operation.
Makita U.S.A., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department at krivers@engage2excel.com.
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