Distribution Manager

Reporting to the Logistics & Donation Centre Manager, the Distribution Manager is accountable for managing the external movement of goods from the Donation Centre to WINS' retail stores and programs, as well as as coordinating the pickup of donations from donors and partners This role is critical to ensuring seamless inventory flow, supporting store performance and program fulfillment in alignment with the organization's mission of providing women and their families with the resources to thrive. The manager is accountable for delivering cost-effective, timely, and reliable transportation services through effective truck routing, loading and unloading, while ensuring safe, timely, and efficient delivery of inventory. The Distribution Manager works closely with retail store teams, warehouse staff, and management to coordinate inventory flow and uphold safety standards. They also play a central role in logistics planning, equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance, while providing daily leadership and support to the truck and logistics teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Outbound Distribution & Logistics (External)

• Plan daily and weekly routing for WINS trucks aligning with organizational priorities and operational requirements.

• Adjust pick-up and drop-off schedules as needed in response to changes from donors, program participants, or store/warehouse teams.

• Communicate clearly and consistently with retail stores and the warehouse to coordinate inventory movement.

• Direct the safe and accurate loading of trucks and ensure timely, complete deliveries to designated locations.

• Monitor truck team performance, providing coaching, support, and direction as needed to maintain high and efficient service standards.

• Oversee adherence to truck maintenance schedules and ensure routing practices prioritize safety, efficiency, and timely service.

• Coordinate safe and compliant transport of recyclable and non-recyclable goods.

Health & Safety

• Ensure all transportation-related health and safety policies and procedures are implemented and consistently followed.

• Monitor that all team members adhere to required personal protective equipment (PPE) use and safety protocols at all times.

• Foster a strong safety culture within the team through clear communication, training, and leadership.

Equipment Maintenance (Fleet)

• Lead routine and unscheduled maintenance and repairs of WINS' truck fleet in coordination with internal teams or external service providers.

• Ensure all transportation equipment (e.g., trucks, lifts, straps) is available, in safe working condition, clean, and used properly by staff.

• Along with the Social Enterprise Admin ensure and maintain accurate records of vehicle inspections, repairs, and service schedules to ensure compliance and minimize downtime.

• Proactively identify maintenance needs and coordinate preventative servicing to extend the life of fleet assets and reduce disruptions.

Team Leadership

• Provide daily leadership, scheduling, and operational support to the truck and moving team.

• Assess staffing needs and participate in recruitment and onboarding processes in collaboration with HR.

• Ensure team members receive comprehensive training on routes, safety procedures, equipment use, and delivery protocols.

• Manage scheduling and attendance by posting work schedules at least 10 days in advance and approving timecards daily.

• Approve timecards and manage scheduling to align with operational priorities and staffing resources.

• Leverage communication tools, including the route tracking system and cell phones, to improve timely coordination with team members.

• Maintain regular communication with the Logistics and Donation Centre Manager to address team performance, logistics challenges, and resource needs.

• Ensure that drivers and moving associates deliver excellent customer service by providing positive and professional interactions during donation pickups and when delivering goods to program participants as required.

Volunteer Engagement

• Support the coordination of volunteer involvement in logistics-related activities including donation drives, deliveries, and warehouse events.

• Ensure individual and corporate volunteers are welcomed, oriented on safety procedures, and given meaningful opportunities to contribute.

• Foster a positive, inclusive volunteer experience that reflects WINS' community values and commitment to service.

Operational Support Across Departments

• Provide support to the Inventory and Sort departments as operational capacity allows, helping to ensure continuity and efficiency in donation processing.

• Safely and efficiently drive WINS trucks to pick-ups and deliveries when required.

• Maintain strong communication with the WINS Community Programs team to ensure they are informed, up to date, and trained on any changes to safety practices or logistics procedures.

• Contribute to a cohesive operational environment by supporting cross-departmental collaboration and promoting shared accountability for workplace safety and efficiency.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education

• College education in a supply chain/inventory management area, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Forklift operating certification is required.

Experience

• At least 5 years of warehouse/supply chain/inventory experience.

• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a warehouse setting.

Personal/ Professional Attributes

• Eligible to work in Canada.

• Valid Class 5 Driver's license and an acceptable current minimum 2-year Driver's abstract.

• Must be able to provide satisfactory results of Criminal Record Check.

• An understanding of and affinity for the WINS brand, mission, and role with our program participants, customers, volunteers, donors, and community.

• Superb organization and planning skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Effective communication skills including proficiency in verbal and written English.

• Good business sense and decision making, so as to ensure a safe and efficient workplace.
• Strong leadership skills combined with a welcoming and empathetic demeanor; an ability to build and maintain positive relationships with employees, peers, leadership, donors, program participants, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent customer/donor service orientation.
• Able to stand for long periods of time and willing to work outdoors occasionally.
• Able to correctly and safely lift a minimum of 50lbs/23kg individually, and 100lbs/45kg as part of a team, on a routine, consistent, and regular basis.

The Women in Need Society is an equal opportunity employer. At WINS we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.