Logistics Distribution Center Mangement

About Our Distribution Centers
Sears, is one of the nation’s largest and most successful retailers, operating nearly 900 full-line stores and 1,100 specialty stores, along with related service businesses.  Historically rich yet thoroughly modern and innovative, Sears is the only retailer where consumers can find each of the Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands’ End brands together – among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S.

The Logistics Organization is an element of the Supply Chain within Sears Holdings Corporation and is responsible for the physical flow of product from the vendors to the stores.  Logistics must ensure that there is sufficient capability, capacity and processes to support the current and future Sears Holdings business requirements.

There are three networks:

Direct Delivery: Supports the Home Delivery division of the business.

Hard lines: Sears Retail Replenishment Centers (RRCs) and Kmart Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs).  These channels support the Take With, primarily hard lines, businesses.  There are Full Case, Break Pack and Non Conveyable Flow Paths in this network.

Specialty: Sears Fashion Merchandise Distribution Centers (FMDCs) and Specialty Distribution Centers plus, the Kmart Regional Specialty Centers (RSCs). These channels support primarily soft lines.

Other elements of the Supply Chain that must coordinate with Logistics are Procurement, Inventory Management and Transportation.

Logistics Management Development Program
The Sears Distribution Management Development Program is designed to develop talented associates into high-performing managers and leaders within the Distribution Center organization.

Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management or other related area of study preferred
• Strong academic performance
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Involvement in extracurricular activities
• Dedication to customer service
• Strong communication skills
• Willingness to relocate
• Permanent Employment Authorization/ U.S. Citizenship

Where You'll Train
While we have Distribution Centers in many states, specific training locations are identified within the Sears Holdings Distribution network. Initial assignments may not occur in the city where you train.  Geographic preferences are considered, but not guaranteed.  Future assignments may occur anywhere within the country.

What You'll Do First
You’ll start in the Logistics Management Development Program, a comprehensive 9+ month program designed to develop talented associates into highly skilled managers capable of handling the various operations critical to the success of our Distribution Centers. 

The Logistics Management Development Program is made up of the following building blocks that are critical to leadership development:

Distribution Center Rotations - During the program, you’ll rotate through all operations areas of the Distribution Center, such as inbound, outbound, shipping, receiving, customer service, inventory management and accuracy, plant maintenance, human resources and asset protection.  You’ll learn the skills required in each role but will also gain a macro view of how they all work together.  As in all of our Distribution Center management positions, you’ll have to be prepared to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed. 

Mentor Relationship - Critical to your development will be relationships with high- performing managers and leaders at Sears and Kmart who have proven themselves as drivers of business performance and coaches and developers of people.

Structured Development - You will receive structured training and development through multiple media.  Technical and leadership skills will be delivered through on-line and classroom-based experiences.  As a final step in your training, you’ll be given a   special assignment where you’re given management responsibilities for an area within the Distribution Center, challenging you to apply the skills you’ve learned through the training program to real situations.

Networking Opportunities - We’ve learned from our former trainees that the ability to interact with peers and proven leaders within the company is an important part of ongoing development; therefore, we ensure you have these opportunities.  These interactions allow you to share common struggles and grow through shared experiences.

Throughout the program, you’ll receive periodic feedback from managers with whom you’ve worked.

What You'll Do Later
Once you successfully complete your training, you’ll be ready for your first independent management assignment.  After that, many management opportunities will be available to you with the ultimate goal of placing you as a Distribution Center General Manager.  Of course, your future will depend on your career ambitions and the performance results you achieve.

Potential Career Path
Management Trainee > Assistant/Department Manager > Senior Operations Manager > Assistant General Manager > Distribution Center General Manager