M4M4 — Director
Senior Manager, Material Handling / Distribution Operations Manager
Leads a larger or more complex operation, often overseeing multiple M3 managers or multiple sites; heavily involved in strategy execution and large-scale improvements.
What this level means
Leads a function or department; owns strategy, budget, and outcomes for the area.
- Scope
- A function or department
- Autonomy
- Owns area strategy and budget
- Complexity
- Strategic priorities and cross-functional alignment
- Impact
- Function-level results
- Decision rights
- Owns strategy, budget, and org design for the area
- Leadership
- Leads managers; sets direction for the function
- Typical experience
- 10–15 yrs
What you'd do
- Set departmental strategies and goals
- Sponsor and lead major initiatives
- Handle higher-level resource planning and budgeting
- Oversee multiple M3 managers or sites
- Drive strategy execution
- Lead large-scale improvement projects
- Ensure alignment with organizational objectives
- Manage complex operations
- Facilitate high-level communication
- Foster innovation and growth
- Set and implement departmental strategies
- Lead major initiatives
- Plan and manage resources
- Oversee complex operations
- Facilitate high-level communication
Skills, knowledge & tools
- Strategic planning
- Project leadership
- Resource planning
- Complex Operations Management
- Communication
- Innovation
- Growth Facilitation
- Organizational alignment
- Strategic planning
- Project leadership
- Resource planning
- Complex Operations Management
- Communication strategies
- Innovation Techniques
- Growth Facilitation
- Organizational alignment
- Strategic alignment
- Project leadership
- Resource planning
- Complex Operations Management
- High-level communication
- Innovation
- Growth Facilitation
- Organizational alignment
What good looks like
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience
- Strong strategic planning skills
- Experience in complex operations management
- Proven track record in innovation
Common titles
Director, Material Handling ManagementMaterial Handling Management DirectorDirector, Material Handling ManagerMaterial Handling Manager Director
Where it sits & what it pays
O*NET / SOC: 13-0000 — Business & Financial Operations Occupations(inferred · under review)
Market-pay benchmarks for this family × level are coming — JobFrame anchors pay to the family/level structure rather than the raw title.