Senior Manager - Reverse Logistics

OVERVIEW

The Senior Manager Reverse Logistics will help design, launch, and stabilize the returns operation at alo's Memphis distribution center. This onsite role reports to the Director of Reverse Logistics and partners with the contracted 3PL and alo cross-functional leaders to build scalable processes, systems, staffing plans, and operating rhythms. The role leads through influence by translating alo strategy into executable priorities, monitoring performance, resolving issues, and holding the operating partner accountable for results. Up to 50% travel is required, particularly during design, implementation, launch, training, and network-alignment activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Lead the design, launch, and stabilization of the Memphis reverse logistics operation.
• Partner with Reverse Logistics, 3PL Engineering, and cross-functional teams to establish the operating model, process flow, layout, equipment, systems, standard work, training, staffing, and launch readiness.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison between alo and the contracted 3PL; establish priorities, operating rhythms, decision paths, and accountability for execution.
• Establish and manage performance measures for safety, quality, productivity, cost, inventory accuracy, cycle time, backlog, and service; lead corrective actions and escalations.
• Develop labor, capacity, and operating plans using forecasted returns, productivity expectations, seasonality, and business requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, Lean methods, root-cause analysis, and structured problem solving to improve throughput, inventory recovery, quality, and cost.
• Partner with Technology, Engineering, Facilities, Inventory Control, Finance, Safety, Loss Prevention, and Supply Chain to implement scalable processes, systems, equipment, and automation.
• Identify operational risks, constraints, and performance gaps; recommend practical solutions and communicate priorities to alo and contracted 3PL leadership.
• Support broader reverse logistics and distribution initiatives across the alo network.

  Key Competencies:

  • Operational leadership in a 3PL or outsourced operating model, including the ability to influence without direct reporting authority.
  • Reverse logistics process design, launch planning, and operational stabilization in a high-volume distribution environment.
  • KPI development, performance management, labor and capacity planning, productivity management, and service-level execution.
  • Data-driven problem solving, root-cause analysis, Lean methods, and continuous improvement.
  • Cross-functional project execution involving technology, engineering, facilities, inventory control, finance, safety, and loss prevention.
  • Clear communication with frontline, partner, and executive audiences; ability to translate operational data into decisions and measurable results.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required

  • 7+ years of progressive experience in distribution, fulfillment, warehousing, logistics, industrial engineering, supply chain, or comparable high-volume operations.
  • Experience designing, launching, expanding, or materially transforming warehouse or distribution operations.
  • Experience with Returns Management Software and with WMS, labor systems, automation, material-handling equipment, engineered labor standards, or productivity programs.
  • Experience overseeing 3PL providers, vendors, contractors, or outsourced operating partners.
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related discipline; equivalent education and experience considered.
  • Ability to work onsite in an active warehouse environment and travel up to 50%; flexibility for nights, weekends, holidays, and peak periods as needed.

  Preferred

  • Direct experience in reverse logistics, customer returns, refurbishment, recommerce, inventory recovery, or high-volume returns processing.
  • Experience launching a new function in a new or expanding distribution center, particularly in a 3PL-operated model.
  • Experience in e-commerce, apparel, retail, consumer products, or omnichannel distribution; bilingual English and Spanish preferred.
  • Experience developing layouts, process flows, capacity or staffing models, capital business cases, and operating-cost analyses.