Senior operations manager jobs in Des Moines, IA

** At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible. At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we've been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon. We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world's biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future. Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You'll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That's us, too. We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital , G-Technology, SanDisk and WD brands. Today's exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It's You & Western Digital. Together, we're the next BIG thing in data. **Job Description** **Role Overview** The Senior Manager, Logistics & Global Control Tower is a strategic leader responsible for orchestrating end-to-end logistics operations and overseeing Regional Control Towers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Acting as the "air-traffic controller" of the supply chain, this role leverages advanced visibility platforms (e.g., FourKites, Project44, or similar),, foundation systems (OTM, GTM, Oracle GOP, etc),, predictive analytics, and a 24/7 follow-the-sun approach to anticipate disruptions, minimize delays, and optimize cost and service levels. The position drives operational excellence, digital transformation, and continuous improvement, leading a geographically distributed team to deliver resilient, efficient, and customer-centric logistics solutions. **Key Responsibilities** **Control Tower Leadership & End-to-End Visibility** + **Lead and continuously improve** the Global Logistics Control Tower, ensuring real-time supply chain visibility and proactive management across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. + **Orchestrate daily operations** : Oversee real-time monitoring, exception management, escalation protocols, and recovery planning for NA & EMEA regions. + **Own and present supply chain performance metrics** (OTD, OTIF, loss and damage, cost per shipment, exception resolution time, carbon footprint) to drive actionable insights and executive decision-making. + **Drive risk mitigation** : Use predictive analytics, orchestration tools, AI-driven forecasting, and real-time data to anticipate and resolve disruptions. + **Collaborate cross-functionally** with procurement, demand planning, customer operations, warranty operations, trade compliance, other control tower leaders, and carriers/3PLs to resolve issues and optimize service levels. + **Lead root-cause analysis** for major disruptions and implement corrective/preventive actions with internal and external stakeholders. + **Champion continuous improvement** : Advance process automation, refine playbooks, and integrate new technologies and data sources. + **Develop and mentor a diverse team** of control tower analysts across multiple regions and time zones. + **Manage vendor relationships** and drive enhancements to visibility platforms and control tower capabilities. + **Support strategic initiatives** : Enable network design, scenario modeling, improvement initiatives and operational readiness for peak seasons. **Digital Transformation & Technology Leadership** + Champion the adoption and integration of cutting-edge logistics technologies, including: + Real-time transport visibility platforms (e.g., FourKites, Project44, etc...) + Warehouse and transport management systems (WMS/TMS) + Robotics, IoT, and automation + Predictive analytics and AI/ML optimization engines + Cloud-based logistics platforms and digital twins + Drive digitalization initiatives with the Logistics Center of Excellence to enhance data quality, usability, and decision-making speed. + Oversee the implementation and utilization of IoT sensors and advanced analytics for real-time monitoring, risk mitigation, and process automation. **Operational Excellence** + Develop and execute logistics strategies aligned with global and regional objectives, focusing on Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies. + Establish and monitor KPIs for transportation, warehousing, customs, and cost, using advanced dashboarding and data visualization tools. + Lead resilience planning, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies to ensure supply chain continuity and adaptability across all regions. **Change Management & Agility** + Leading change initiatives to drive technology adoption, cultural transformation, and process innovation across diverse teams. + Demonstrating agility in responding to regional disruptions, regulatory changes, and evolving customer needs. **Collaborative Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement** + Foster collaboration and trust among cross-functional, cross-regional teams and stakeholders, promoting open communication and the sharing of best practices to ensure alignment and customer satisfaction. + Serve as the primary interface for logistics functions and internal stakeholders across all regions. **AI-Driven Process Optimization & Data-Driven Decision Making** + Integrate AI and machine learning to optimize demand forecasting, routing, inventory, and predictive maintenance. + Promote a data-driven culture, empowering teams to use analytics for operational decisions, transparency, and continuous improvement through shared KPIs and dashboards. **Team Leadership & Talent Development** + Build and mentor a high-performing, digitally fluent logistics and control tower team; promote upskilling in AI, automation, and data literacy. + Design and implement formal skills needs analysis, talent marketplaces, and cross-functional recruiting strategies to future-proof the organization. **Compliance & Sustainability** + Ensure audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and adherence to global standards in all logistics operations. + Champion sustainability initiatives, including carbon footprint reduction, green logistics practices, and responsible resource management. **Qualifications** **Qualifications** + Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, or related field (Master's/MBA preferred). + 8-12+ years of progressive logistics/supply chain experience, with at least 4-5 years in a **control tower, supply chain visibility, or real-time transportation management** leadership role. + Proven hands-on experience with leading **control tower platforms** (FourKites, Project44, Tive, Overhaul, SAP Control Tower, Blue Yonder Control Tower, etc.). + Deep expertise in end-to-end logistics processes across multiple modes (ocean, air, parcel, LTL/FTL, intermodal, last mile, fulfillment operations, trade operations). + Strong background in exception management, predictive analytics, and performance score-carding. + Demonstrated success reducing detention/demurrage, improving OTIF by ≥10%, and delivering multimillion-dollar cost savings through control tower initiatives. + Experience managing or collaborating with 24/7 or follow-the-sun teams is a strong plus. **Preferred Skills** + Analytical mindset with advanced Excel/SQL/Tableau/Power BI skills; experience with AI/ML-driven forecasting tools highly desirable. + Experience with robotics, IoT, blockchain, visibility platforms, and digital twin technologies in logistics. + Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making under pressure. + Strong communication and stakeholder management skills-able to translate complex supply chain events into clear executive updates. + Process excellence orientation (Lean/Six Sigma certification a plus). + Leadership ability to mentor analysts and influence cross-functional partners. + Fluency in English; additional languages are advantageous. + Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or supply chain analytics. **Additional Information** Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person's gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (************************************************************************************** " poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here (****************************************************** . Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution. Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying. Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be 03/01/2026 (3 months from posting), although we reserve the right to close the application process sooner if we hire an applicant for this position before the application deadline. If we are not able to hire someone from this role before the application deadline, we will update this posting with a new anticipated application deadline. \#LI-AS1 **Compensation & Benefits Details** + An employee's pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs. + The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future. + If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned. + You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under **either** Western Digital's Short Term Incentive Plan ("STI Plan") or the Sales Incentive Plan ("SIP") which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards. + We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan. + **Note:** No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law. **Notice To Candidates:** Please be aware that Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to Western Digital Ethics Helpline (******************************************************************** or email ****************** .