Full-Time

Director of Operations

Kenco Management Services

Kenco Management Services

1,001-5,000 employees

Delivers custom 3PL logistics and automation

No salary listed

Savannah, GA, USA

In Person

Travel of approximately 25% or less is expected.

Bachelor's

Category
Operations & Logistics (2)
,
Required Skills
Six Sigma
SAP Products
Data Analysis
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
Microsoft Outlook
PowerPoint/Keynote/Slides

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Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Logistics or Business, or a related field, is required.
  • A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience within a distribution center, warehouse, or related environment is required.
  • Prior experience leading salaried and hourly associates and building positive rapport with associates in a team environment is required.
  • Experience successfully managing people to achieve performance goals is required, including conflict resolution, coaching and developing others, promoting teamwork, and performance management.
  • Ability to work effectively in a multitasking environment and under stress and pressure is required.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet specific goals and deadlines is required.
  • High proficiency in computer applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
  • Knowledge of current and future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting the business and organization is required.
  • Ability to communicate the team's strategic vision, direction, priorities, and progress is required.
  • Ability to develop and implement strategies that maximize employee performance and foster employee engagement is required.
  • Ability to plan, manage, and communicate process changes with appropriate stakeholders is required.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal partners to complete projects and organizational objectives is required.
  • Ability to balance daily tasks with strategic actions affecting long-term organizational viability is required.
Responsibilities
  • Lead site management activities and personnel to ensure compliance with the defined operating system, corporate policy, site standard operating procedures, personnel policies, and workload leveling.
  • Maintain safety, operations, quality, financial, legal, and regulatory functions on site.
  • Develop long-term planning and strategic initiatives for the site to ensure continued success and a satisfactory customer relationship.
  • Manage site metrics associated with key performance indicators, Business Improvement Plans, Efficiency Programs, and profit-and-loss indices; analyze data and develop reports for customers and site personnel.
  • Ensure communication and feedback for site and customer relations, including management review.
  • Provide coaching and mentoring to site management and personnel to support bench strength and business and facility sustainability.
  • Support a healthy and effective Lean culture by participating in and leading 5S, Gemba walks, A3s, Kaizen events, and Employee Suggestion Boards to promote continuous improvement.
  • Continuously analyze warehouse operations to make improvements and ensure cross-functional operating efficiencies.
  • Analyze throughput information, capacity planning, flow-through information, and financial information.
  • Build strong customer relationships, understand customer strategic goals, and translate them into site-specific goals.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with labor/workforce management systems such as SAP, Red Prairie, or HighJump.
  • Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification is preferred but not required.
Kenco Management Services

Kenco Management Services

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Kenco Management Services is a third-party logistics provider in North America offering custom, integrated logistics solutions such as distribution, transportation, material handling, and automation. It designs and executes tailored supply chain programs, delivering end-to-end management from planning to execution with a team of experienced professionals. With 75+ years in the industry, it combines a national-scale network with local, people-driven service to handle complex shipping and distribution needs. Its goal is to keep goods moving and help businesses grow by maximizing supply chain efficiency through customized, scalable logistics and trusted partnerships.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Founded

1950

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Kenco opens its 30,000-square-foot innovation lab on September 10, 2026, expanding product testing.
  • Kenco deployed six DeepFabric AI agents in three months, targeting 20 across the enterprise.
  • Kenco’s 2026 rankings and certifications signal customer trust: No. 3 Inbound Logistics, Great Place To Work.

What critics are saying

  • Kenco’s 2026 WARN notices cut 86 Charlotte jobs, showing network volatility and demand swings.
  • DeepFabric agents can automate billing, transport, and client workflows; failures hit service within months.
  • Amazon and GXO keep pushing integrated automation; Kenco’s mid-market margins compress if execution slips.

What makes Kenco Management Services unique

  • Kenco’s vendor-neutral Chattanooga lab tests warehouse tech against real operations, not sales demos.
  • Seventy-five-year-old Kenco combines distribution, transportation, material handling, and automation under one 3PL roof.
  • Kenco pairs local-operator service with enterprise scale, backed by 5,474 employees in 2026.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Basic Life and Supplemental Life

Short Term and Long Term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Employer Paid Holidays

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

16%

1 year growth

16%

2 year growth

15%
DC Velocity
Aug 19th, 2026
Kenco to open 30,000-square-foot innovation lab in Chattanooga.

Kenco to open 30,000-square-foot innovation lab in Chattanooga. Facility is designed to closely mirror real-world warehouse conditions, creating environment for testing logistics technologies, 3PL says. The third party logistics provider (3PL) Kenco on Tuesday said it plans to open an expanded Innovation Lab in its headquarters town of Chattanooga, Tennessee, saying the new 30,000-square-foot space will replace the company's previous 10,000-square-foot facility. Designed to closely mirror real-world warehouse conditions, the lab is intentionally vendor-neutral, providing an environment for objective, data-driven testing and evaluation. When it opens on September 10, that additional space will enable the organization to test and demo more supply chain solutions and accommodate larger, more complex technologies. The new lab will also encourage greater collaboration with the Chattanooga technology community, Kenco said. "The Innovation Lab has long stood as the convergence point for leading technologies and real-world applications, helping both manufacturers and customers identify and realize what's possible," says Ainsley Williams, Vice President, Automation & Innovation at Kenco. "By tripling our innovation footprint, we can further provide a space for OEMs to continue experimenting with their products in a real environment and for customers to explore product and value without having to invest in them."

PR Newswire
Aug 5th, 2026
Kenco deploys six DeepFabric AI agents in three months, targets 20 across enterprise in 12

Kenco, a leading North American third-party logistics provider, has deployed six AI agents from DeepFabric across its operations in three months, with plans to expand to 20 agents over the next year. The agents operate across commercial, operations, transportation, and client service functions. DeepFabric's platform is designed specifically for supply chain operations, handling structured workflows whilst maintaining human oversight. The agents aim to reduce manual work and improve decision-making, enabling faster response times and greater accuracy for customers. According to Microsoft's Agent Readiness Survey, enterprises typically take six to nine months to move AI agents into production. Kenco distinguishes between agentic AI, which completes tasks within defined parameters, and generative AI, which creates content and surfaces insights. DeepFabric is already in production with enterprise customers across consumer packaged goods, medical distribution, fleet management, manufacturing, and retail.

Associated Press
Jul 29th, 2026
Kenco ranks No. 3 on Inbound Logistics' Top 10 3PL list for 13th consecutive year

Kenco, a third-party logistics provider, secured the number three position on Inbound Logistics' Top 10 3PL Providers Awards list. This marks the company's 13th consecutive year on the list and its sixth appearance in the top three. The annual ranking is based on votes from customers, vendors, and industry professionals. Kenco received recognition for continuous innovation, customer service, and agile operations. Over the past year, the Chattanooga-based company strengthened its technology and automation capabilities. It expanded its leadership team by appointing Pal Narayanan as Chief Digital & Information Officer and Sean Wallingford as President of Kenco MHE Solutions. The company also advanced its artificial intelligence capabilities and expanded strategic automation partnerships.

Kenco
Jul 28th, 2026
Inbound Logistics names Kenco a G75 Green Supply Chain Partner.

Inbound Logistics names Kenco a G75 Green Supply Chain Partner. July 28th, 2026 3PL provider recognized for waste diversion, fleet electrification efforts CHATTANOOGA, TENN. - July 28, 2026 - Kenco, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, has once again achieved designation as an Inbound Logistics G75 Green Supply Chain Partner. The annual list honors 75 organizations that are meaningfully committed to greener operations and long-term sustainability initiatives. In 2025, Kenco achieved multiple sustainability successes across its environment, social and governance initiatives. The 3PL surpassed its goal of 80% LED coverage, reaching 87% across leased warehouses, and advanced electrification efforts to achieve a 78% electric material handling equipment (MHE) fleet. The organization also diverted 2,037 tons of waste from landfills - a 21.8% increase from 2023 levels - and reduced carbon intensity nearly 5% year over year. Kenco employees also made sustainable strides outside the workplace. Employees increased volunteer hours by 51% and raised $44,198 for United Way. "Reducing emissions and achieving cleaner operations are critical tasks, but Kenco sees our culture and safety efforts as equally important sustainability initiatives," said Denis Reilly, President and CEO at Kenco. "We're honored Inbound Logistics saw the sum of our projects and once again chose us as a Green Supply Chain Partner." To learn more about Kenco's sustainability efforts, visit https://kencogroup.com/sustainability/. To review the complete Inbound Logistics G75 Green Supply Chain Partner list, visit https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/75-green-supply-chain-partners/. About Kenco Kenco is a leading North American 3PL delivering custom, integrated logistics solutions that maximize supply chain efficiency. For more than 75 years, they have partnered with customers to provide distribution, transportation, material handling and automation solutions. Kenco's people set the organization apart - experienced, committed associates who bring agility and expertise to even the most complex supply chain challenges. Guided by its mission and vision, Kenco innovates relentlessly to deliver solutions on a national scale with the care of a local provider, building trusted partnerships that keep goods moving and businesses growing.

Kenco
Jun 11th, 2026
Expanding opportunity through digital access: Kenco partners with The Enterprise Center.

Expanding opportunity through digital access: Kenco partners with The Enterprise Center. June 11th, 2026 Access to technology and digital skills is no longer optional in today's workforce. It is essential for growth, advancement, and long-term success. At Kenco, investing in people has always been a priority, and a new partnership with The Enterprise Center reflects that commitment in action. Following a successful pilot program, Kenco has officially partnered with The Enterprise Center to deliver a custom Tech Goes Home curriculum designed specifically for its associates. The goal is clear: expand digital access, build foundational skills, and create more pathways for career advancement across Kenco operations. Addressing a real workforce gap. Inside many warehouse environments, a common challenge exists. Associates often bring strong leadership skills and deep operational knowledge but have limited exposure to computer-based systems. This gap can hold talented individuals back from promotions, new responsibilities, and increased earnings. The pilot program confirmed what many leaders suspected. When associates are given access to the right tools and training, their confidence and capability grow quickly. That insight shaped the decision to scale the program into a formal partnership. Building skills that drive advancement. Kenco's custom Tech Goes Home curriculum focuses on practical, hands-on learning that associates can use immediately. Participants receive training in: * Word processing and spreadsheets * Email communication and file organization * Typing and navigating online systems * Internet safety and digital literacy The program goes beyond the basics. Associates also gain experience using tools like Canva for design and Google Sheets for budgeting, helping them develop both personal and professional skills. At the completion of the program, participants receive a personal laptop. For many, this is their first consistent access to a computer outside of a mobile device. That access opens the door to continued learning at home and on the job. Creating a Culture of continuous learning. One of the most impactful aspects of the program is what happens after the training ends. With access to devices and new skills, associates can take advantage of small windows of time to keep growing. Whether it is completing certifications, exploring online courses, or practicing new tools, learning becomes part of everyday life. "Talent development is a core pillar of how we invest in our people," said Thelma Tamez, Kenco's Community and Workplace Culture Manager. "When opportunity is accessible, potential becomes unstoppable. That's why we create pathways that help our talent build skills that move them forward." This approach not only supports individual growth but also strengthens operations by preparing associates for future roles. Confidence that translates to career growth. By introducing digital skills early, Kenco is helping associates build confidence before stepping into new positions. That preparation reduces hesitation and allows employees to take on new challenges with greater readiness. "This initiative allows us to close that gap before it becomes a barrier," said David Bell, Kenco General Manager. "By building confidence and technical capability early, our associates are better prepared to step into new roles." Looking ahead. As a first of its kind program within Kenco, early success is measured through participation and completion. Over time, the company plans to track long term outcomes such as career progression, skill development, and leadership advancement. The vision extends far beyond a single program. "We see this as the beginning of something bigger," Bell said. "The goal is to create a ripple effect, where access to technology sparks ongoing learning and opens doors to new opportunities." A model for the future. Kenco's partnership with The Enterprise Center reflects a broader commitment to strengthening communities and investing in people. By expanding digital access and developing talent from within, the company is building a more capable, confident, and future ready workforce. As the program grows, it has the potential to serve as a model for other organizations looking to bridge skills gaps and unlock workforce potential.