VP, Distribution Operations, Simon & Schuster

Job description

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022.

Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats.

Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards.

It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories.

For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

The Vice President of Distribution Operations will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for two large-scale distribution facilities totaling over 2 million square feet.

This role carries full responsibility for ensuring that the facilities operate with world-class efficiency, safety, and scalability, while also shaping the long-term distribution strategy for the organization.

The VP will lead a significant workforce across both sites, championing operational excellence and continuous improvement.

A key mandate will be the assessment of the current operational infrastructure, followed by the design and implementation of a more automated, technology-enabled system to drive growth, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

**Key Responsibilities:**

+ Provide executive oversight and vision for two major distribution centers in Riverside NJ and Jackson TN, ensuring alignment with overall corporate strategy.
+ Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, diverse workforce, including senior managers and their teams, to deliver operational excellence at scale.

The facilities have a total of over 400 employees.

In 2024 the Riverside facility shipped 114mm units from 65,710 total SKU’s (titles).

The Jackson facility shipped 37mm units from 40,859 total SKU’s (titles).
+ Execute a transformation strategy with a focus on automation, robotics, and next-generation warehouse management systems.
+ Partner with executive leadership, IT, engineering, and finance to evaluate, prioritize, and implement capital investments in automation and infrastructure.
+ Establish and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) across both sites, using data and analytics to drive accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
+ Build and manage multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets, ensuring strong ROI on technology and process enhancements.
+ Serve as a change leader, effectively communicating vision, strategy, and expectations to teams at all levels, while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and safety.
+ Represent Distribution Operations at the executive level, providing regular updates to the C-Suite on performance, initiatives, and long-term planning.
+ Must have a track record of not only OSHA compliance, but of achieving a safe environment for employees
+ Drive cross-functional alignment with supply chain, logistics, procurement, customer service, and commercial teams to ensure the distribution network supports business growth and evolving customer needs.
+ Benchmark against industry best practices to ensure the organization remains competitive in efficiency, technology adoption, and customer fulfillment.

**Success Metrics:**

_Short-Term (6–12 Months)_

+ Establish baseline KPIs for both facilities and implement a reporting cadence to measure productivity, accuracy, and safety.
+ Achieve measurable improvements in labor efficiency and throughput (e.g., 5–10% gains) through quick wins and process adjustments.
+ Build strong relationships with site leadership teams, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, performance and safety.
+ Present a capital investment plan with ROI projections for automation and infrastructure upgrades to the C-Suite.

_Long-Term (18–36 Months)_

+ Successfully implement selected automation and technology solutions (e.g., robotics, WMS enhancements, AS/RS) with measurable gains in efficiency and cost savings.
+ Deliver a 15–20% improvement in overall productivity and throughput across both facilities.
+ Reduce operating costs per unit shipped through a combination of automation, process optimization, and workforce development.
+ Position both facilities as industry-leading distribution centers, recognized for best-in-class performance, safety, and innovation.
+ Ensure scalability of operations to support future business growth while maintaining exceptional customer service and order accuracy.

**Qualifications:**

+ Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.
+ 15+ years of progressive leadership in large-scale distribution or fulfillment operations.
+ Demonstrated success leading operational transformations, including the evaluation, selection, and implementation of automation and advanced technologies (e.g., robotics, AS/RS, WMS).
+ Strong financial acumen with experience developing and managing large operating and capital budgets.
+ Proven ability to influence at the executive level and collaborate across multiple business units.
+ Exceptional leadership and change management skills with the ability to inspire large, diverse teams.
+ Strong track record of driving measurable improvements in productivity, cost, safety, and customer service in complex operations.
+ Experience implementing operational excellence programs, such as lean, Six Sigma, etc

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do.

From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.

Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies.

Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable.

Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice (https://www.simonandschuster.com/p/workplace-privacy-notice) , and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.

**Job Details**

**Job Family** **Warehouse Operations**
**Job Function** **Operations**
**Pay Type** **Salary**
**Employment Indicator** **Regular**
**Hiring Min Rate** **220,000 USD**
**Hiring Max Rate** **260,000 USD**

Required Skill Profession

Other General