Distribution & Inventory Lead II
Zenni Optical · Novato, California, United States
Who We Are
Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make eyewear affordable and accessible for everyone. With complete prescription pairs starting under $10, Zenni offers adults and children the freedom to see clearly and express themselves through a wide selection of high-quality prescription glasses, sunglasses, protective eyewear, and non-prescription frames - curated with fashion, function, and style in mind.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni has redefined the traditional retail model, emerging as the premier destination for online eyewear in the United States while surpassing 70 million frames sold globally.
Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers, Columbus Crew, Monster Jam, WWE, Team Liquid, and more. Zenni has collaborated with designers and tastemakers on exclusive collections, including Chase Stokes and George and Claire Kittle. For more information, visit zenni.com.
About the Role
The Distribution & Inventory Lead II is a senior technical expert who demonstrates technical and operational proficiency across all logistics tasks from previous levels. In this role, you will lead strategic initiatives to optimize logistics operations throughout the organization, resolve the most complex operational issues, and mentor the logistics team to promote a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Shift: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (overtime may be required based on business volume, including day-of or week-of notice; overtime shifts are typically up to 1.5 hours and may include occasional Saturdays)
Compensation: $26 - $31/hour (based on applicable experience.)
Responsibilities
Core Operations
- Own and continuously improve all Level 1-4 logistics tasks, serving as the go-to resource for process questions
- Inventory control: Conduct monthly cycle counts, maintain accurate inventory records in the inventory management system, investigate and resolve discrepancies, and ensure supplies are stored correctly and safely
- Customer Service platform: Oversee the platform and ticket queue related to Novato clients, ensuring timely, accurate resolution of shipping, return, and order inquiries
- Communication and liaison: Act as the primary operational point of contact with internal departments and stakeholders (e.g., IT China, Customer Service, Production) and external partners (vendors, suppliers, carriers)
Strategic Improvement Initiatives (Shipping & Returns)
- Identify, propose, and implement process improvements that increase productivity, accuracy, and efficiency
- Track and report key metrics (e.g., inventory accuracy, on-time shipping, returns processing time, carrier performance) and use them to drive decisions
- Support company events by coordinating with stakeholders and carriers and shipping event supplies and inventory
Technical Leadership
- Serve as the escalation point for the most complex operational issues, including systems, equipment, and facilities concerns
- Partner with IT, vendors, and facilities teams to troubleshoot, document root causes, and implement lasting fixes
- Evaluate and lead adoption of new logistics technologies and best practices (e.g., automation, scanning, and warehouse/inventory software enhancements)
- including overseeing systems, equipment, and facilities concerns
- Spearhead the adoption of cutting-edge logistics technologies and practices
Mentorship & Team Development
- Train team members through hands-on demonstrations, documented procedures, and regular performance feedback
- Identify and resolve training-related issues and skill gaps
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and accountability
- Demonstrated experience running cycle counts and maintaining inventory accuracy in a warehouse or inventory management system
- Perform other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in distribution, warehouse, inventory, or logistics operations, including 1+ year in a lead or senior role
- Experience managing carrier relationships and shipping/returns workflows (e.g., UPS, FedEx, USPS)
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex operational, systems, and equipment issues
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work with cross-functional and international teams
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (especially Excel/Sheets)
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a warehouse environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Fluent in Mandarin or Cantonese for global team cross collaboration.
U.S. Perks & Benefits:
- Annual Bonus Program
- Healthcare: 100% premiums covered for medical, dental, and vision for employees (50% for dependents)
- Basic Life and AD&D with option for additional voluntary coverage
- Short and long term disability coverage
- 401k with up to 4% match
- EAP and Spring Health that gives you and dependents access to free therapy and coaching
- Free access for you and your family to our digital wellness platform - Wellness Coach
- FTO (Flex Time Off) in addition to our Week of Zen - the time between Christmas and New Year’s to relax and recuperate
- Fully Paid Parental Leave - 16 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
- Family forming & fertility support and services through Maven
- Annual Zenni Gift Card - to use towards our products!
At Zenni Optical, people remain the heart of our mission, even as we embrace technology that moves us forward. While we recognize the immense promise of AI, we are equally mindful of its limitations and use these tools strictly to assist our Talent Acquisition team rather than replace human judgment. We utilize AI tools as a collaborative partner to create content–such as job descriptions, interview questions, and outreach messaging–and review resumes, but we maintain a firm commitment to human-led hiring where AI never makes a final decision. Every selection is determined by a member of our team to ensure every candidate is personally valued by a human rather than an algorithm.
We look forward to hearing from you!
We strive to build a diverse team of individuals with a broad range of experience and perspectives. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t feel you meet all the qualifications.
Zenni Optical is an equal opportunity workplace and considers applications without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.