General Manager - Supply Chain - Northern California - job 2 of 2

The General Manager - Supply Chain at Nordstrom in Newark, CA is responsible for the overall performance of operations at the facility. This includes leading a team of over 500 employees, managing cost reduction initiatives, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals set by senior management.

To apply for the General Manager - Supply Chain position at Nordstrom, candidates should have at least 10 years of leadership experience in supply chain or fulfillment environments. A graduate-level degree in a related discipline is desirable, along with proven capability in managing large teams and implementing Lean initiatives.

At Nordstrom, we prioritize employee growth. The General Manager - Supply Chain will drive recruiting, training, and team development, ensuring that our key managers and staff receive the support they need to succeed and advance in their careers, aligning with Nordstrom's culture of continuous improvement.

The work environment for a General Manager - Supply Chain at Nordstrom is fast-paced and collaborative. You will be leading a diverse team, engaging in strategic decision-making, and working alongside corporate teams to manage various operational projects. Flexibility, effective communication, and a results-driven mindset are key attributes for succeeding in this role.

Nordstrom offers a comprehensive benefits package for its General Manager - Supply Chain employees, including medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan, paid time off, life insurance, and disability benefits, along with a merchandise discount and Employee Assistance Program resources.

To manage a large team effectively, it is crucial to establish clear communication protocols, set achievable goals, and foster a culture of trust and collaboration. I focus on engaging with team members regularly to gain feedback, support their development, and address any arising challenges promptly.

I have extensive experience with Lean methodologies, having successfully implemented various initiatives that led to significant process improvements. My approach typically involves mapping out current processes, identifying waste, and training my team on continuous improvement practices to achieve operational excellence.

To drive cost reduction in supply chain operations, I analyze data to spot inefficiencies, implement Lean practices, and renegotiate vendor contracts when necessary. Building strong relationships with suppliers and fostering a culture of innovation within my team allows us to consistently find ways to save costs.

To handle conflicts within my team, I encourage open dialogue and facilitate discussions to understand each party’s perspective. By promoting a culture of respect and collaboration, I aim to mediate discussions to find common ground and develop actionable solutions.

Achieving operational metrics requires a strategic approach that involves regular monitoring of performance indicators, utilizing data for informed decision-making, and fostering accountability among team members. I prioritize setting clear expectations and providing the necessary support to meet those targets.

In my previous role, I led a significant change initiative to streamline our inventory management system. By collaborating with stakeholders, providing training to staff, and monitoring progress meticulously, we reduced inventory discrepancies by 30% and improved overall efficiency within three months.

I ensure alignment with corporate goals by regularly communicating these goals to my team and integrating them into our daily operations. I also leverage data analytics to monitor our performance and adjust strategies proactively to stay on track with corporate objectives.

Communication is at the core of my leadership style. I believe in being transparent about expectations, sharing feedback, and actively listening to my team's insights. This fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, leading to higher morale and productivity.

During challenging periods, I focus on maintaining open communication and emphasizing our shared goals. Recognizing individual efforts, celebrating small wins, and shifting the focus to future opportunities significantly helps in keeping the team motivated and resilient.

I have extensive experience with data-driven decision-making, where I rely on metrics to inform my strategies. By analyzing performance data, identifying trends, and utilizing predictive analytics, I make informed decisions to optimize operations effectively and enhance overall performance.