Sr. Manager of Labor Allocation - Distribution (On-site)

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At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60 retail stores, a peerless sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

We are currently seeking a Sr. Manager of Labor Allocation – Distribution to join our team as we scale and enhance our distribution network. In this role, you will apply your strategic and analytical skills to guide labor planning, improve performance and ensure our distribution centers remain aligned with financial goals. You’ll be a key partner in shaping the future of our distribution division, working closely with senior leaders to provide actionable recommendations based on deep analysis of financial data, sales forecasts and labor allocation. Your work will help ensure the right people are in the right roles at the right time across our three distribution centers. Applicants should have expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel. The ideal candidate also brings expertise in quantitative fields such as finance or industrial engineering.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Developing and implementing robust labor management systems to analyze employee productivity, improve labor efficiency, control labor costs and enable in-depth trend analysis for highly effective forecasting
• Analyzing and synthesizing complex data reports—including sales forecasts, budgets, inventory, payroll and active head count—to ensure the distribution workforce is positioned to meet business and financial goals
• Providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership on workforce planning, financial management and operations, with the ability to pivot and adapt to network design changes and new facility ramp-ups
• Developing and implementing workforce planning key performance indicators (KPIs) and meticulously analyzing financial and operational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities, especially those tied to network adjustments
• Offering strategic insights on budgeting, forecasting and operations to align with company goals
• Improving reporting by automating manual processes using tools like Excel
• Collaborating extensively with cross-functional teams, lending analytical expertise and support during project planning and execution
• Designing systems to track employee productivity and improve labor efficiency
• Using time study data to refine labor planning and set performance standards, particularly as new processes are introduced

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 8–10 years of workforce planning experience, preferably in distribution or manufacturing settings
• Strong communicator, both written and verbal
• Proven multitasker who thrives independently and in diverse team environments
• Skilled at building relationships and influencing across all levels of an organization
• Analytical thinker with a knack for turning complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Expertise in quantitative fields such as finance or industrial engineering
• Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, complex pivot tables, data modeling, macro creation and VBA scripting for automation and time study modeling
• Experience integrating Excel with labor systems (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Korber) to support data-driven decisions
• Familiarity with industrial engineering concepts such as time studies and standard work, especially in evolving network environments

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Competitive compensation based on skills and experience, and bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on , , creed, , or , marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, , , , ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental , or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information. INDRLL1