Nicholas O'Brien
Dallas,TX
Summary
Operations Manager with over 20 years of experience leading high volume 3PL and cold storage distribution centers. Proven ability to maintain service and execution by managing labor, dock operations, and workflow under changing volume and staffing conditions.
Hands-on leader experienced in multi-shift operations, throughput management, and resolving bottlenecks to keep freight moving.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Lineage Logistics
07.2019 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations for cold storage facility with 40,000 pallet positions, managing 50 - 60 associates across three shifts in dynamic 3PL environment.
- Adjusted labor allocation and dock scheduling to ensure on-time performance and improve consistency of dock execution
- Identified and resolved bottlenecks in staging, loading, and door utilization to maintain efficient dock flow.
- Oversee labor planning and execution across shifts.
- Directed inbound and outbound picking and dock operations, ensuring consistent execution of service expectations
- Maintain alignment with food safety practices, OSHA mandates, PIT criteria, and ammonia PSM standards.
- Utilize WMS and reporting to track PPH workflow performance and turnaround times.
- Direct operations from floor during staffing deficiencies or busy periods.
Night Manager
Preferred Freezer Services
07.2014 - 07.2019
- Managed night-shift inbound and outbound operations for a cold storage facility.
- Supervised approximately 15 associates supporting mixed dock and warehouse activities.
- Operation was acquired by Lineage Logistics in 2021.
Night Warehouse Manager
US Foods
06.2011 - 06.2014
- Supervised 60 union associates across dry, cooler, and freezer operations.
- Supported 40–50 outbound trailers nightly and 25,000–40,000 cases during peak volume periods.
- Enforced safety, labor standards, and service consistency in a fast-paced foodservice environment.
Cross Dock Supervisor
Deb Shops
06.2005 - 09.2010
- Supported retail distribution operations serving over 200 stores nationwide.
- Assisted with inbound processing, outbound fulfillment, and transportation coordination in a multi-node retail network.
Reefer Division Supervisor
Gloucester Terminals
10.2009 - 05.2010
- Supervised 20 union forklift operators within the reefer division.
- Oversaw outbound operations across 15 dock doors in a port-based, union environment.
Shipping Manager
Forman Mills
04.2002 - 06.2005
- Supported distribution operations serving 18 retail locations.
- Coordinated outbound shipping using six 24-foot box trucks and two tractor-trailers.
- Assisted with daily warehouse execution and transportation planning earlier in career.
Education
No Degree - Sociology
Texas A&M Kingsville
Kingsville, TXSkills
- Distribution Center Operations
- Labor Planning & Execution
- KPI & Performance Management
- Safety, Food Safety & Compliance
- Union & Non-Union Leadership
- Customer Service & CSAT Management
- Lean / Continuous Improvement
- WMS, Workforce & Metrics Systems
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Accomplishments
- 2 Time Lineage Logistics X-Factor award winner in 2022 and 2024
- Maintained a strong safety culture, supporting over 900 consecutive days without a lost time incident
- Improved on-time service (OTS) by adjusting the scheduling matrix to better align staffing with workload and operational demand.
Certification
HACCP Certified
Crown Train - the - Trainer
Timeline
Operations Manager
Lineage Logistics
07.2019 - Current
Night Manager
Preferred Freezer Services
07.2014 - 07.2019
Night Warehouse Manager
US Foods
06.2011 - 06.2014
Reefer Division Supervisor
Gloucester Terminals
10.2009 - 05.2010
Cross Dock Supervisor
Deb Shops
06.2005 - 09.2010
Shipping Manager
Forman Mills
04.2002 - 06.2005
No Degree - Sociology
Texas A&M Kingsville