Automated Distribution Centre Manager

Company Overview

ArkNexus is initiating a new automated distribution centre featuring a state-of-the-art shuttle-based ASRS designed for high pallet density and precise system logic control.

Role Summary

This position is distinct from traditional labor-intensive DC leadership roles. To succeed, the candidate must demonstrate excellent systems thinking, technical expertise, and the ability to make real-time decisions within a tightly controlled automated setting.

The successful candidate will engage during commissioning to prepare operational readiness and then assume full responsibility for managing a 24/7 automated facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the commissioning, start-up, and transition phases including user acceptance testing, defect identification, and readiness preparation.
• Assume complete responsibility for overall site performance, covering safety, service levels, throughput, uptime, cost management, and financial results including budgeting, forecasting, and EBIT.
• Manage end-to-end process flow across inbound, storage, shuffling, and outbound operations, all aligned with the automated system constraints.
• Develop capability and accountability within a compact 24/7 operations team, focusing on flow control, escalation protocols, and standard operating procedures compliance.
• Maintain a strong presence on the operation floor, proactively identifying and addressing exceptions, congestion points, bottlenecks, and rising risks before escalation.
• Serve as the primary operational leader interacting with customers for service delivery, escalation handling, and managing expectations.
• Act as the central operational liaison with OEMs, automation vendors, WMS/WCS teams, IT support, and maintenance partners.
• Promote continuous improvement through disciplined operations, minimizing exceptions, performing root cause analysis, and optimizing system performance.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience operating in automated distribution centres, ASRS environments, or advanced manufacturing settings.
• Strong comprehension of WMS/WCS-driven operations and the capacity to manage end-to-end material flow alongside real-time decision-making.
• Technical proficiency with automation systems, capable of troubleshooting mechanical, system, and process challenges.
• Experience with high-risk or safety-critical automated environments.
• Leadership capability to manage a small team operating 24/7.
• Proven track record of owning site performance including financial outcomes and P&L responsibility.
• Advanced problem-solving skills incorporating Lean, Continuous Improvement, and root cause analysis techniques.

Highly Preferred Attributes:

• Previous involvement in greenfield startups, commissioning, or major operational transformations.
• Familiarity with ASRS, flow control, or automation-dominated workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to stabilize and optimize operations following go-live implementation.

Education & Certifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain, Engineering, Logistics, Manufacturing, or related fields preferred.
• Formal training in Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies advantageous.
• Current forklift licence and/or exposure to high-risk work environments considered an advantage.