Director of Workforce Planning and Labor Management

Company: UNFI | Location: Hopkins, Minnesota | Posted: Jun 25, 2026

Job Summary

Job Overview:

The Director of Workforce Planning & Labor Management is responsible for developing and executing enterprise workforce strategies that optimize labor capacity, productivity, and cost across supply chain operations. This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Finance, and HR leaders to align labor planning with demand forecasts, operational rhythms, and long-term business strategy.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Workforce Planning

Lead short- and long-term workforce planning across distribution network
Translate volume forecasts into labor demand plans (headcount, skills, shifts)
Build scenario models (peak, downturns, automation impacts, network changes)
Partner with Finance on labor budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization

2. Analytics & Insights

Lead workforce analytics capability (turnover, absenteeism, time-to-fill, productivity trends)
Develop dashboards and reporting for senior leadership
Use data to proactively identify risks (staffing gaps, burnout, cost overruns)

3. Workforce Optimization

Align staffing strategies (full-time, part-time, contingent labor) with demand variability
Optimize scheduling, shift design, and workforce mix
Partner with Talent Acquisition on hiring plans tied to forecasts
Support network planning decisions (open/close/expand sites)
With a LEAN mindset identify productivity improvement opportunities and partner with operations on execution

4. Stakeholder Partnership

Serve as a strategic partner to Supply Chain Operations leadership
Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Industrial Engineering teams
Influence senior leaders on workforce trade-offs and decisions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

Bachelor?s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Supply Chain or related field required

Experience:

10+ years in workforce planning, labor management, supply chain, or operations analytics

Experience in large-scale, hourly workforce environments (distribution, manufacturing, retail, logistics)

Strong analytical capability (forecasting, modeling, scenario planning)

Experience with LMS tools

Ability to influence senior operational leaders

Background in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, HR Analytics, or related field

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

Advanced Microsoft Excel (forecasting models, scenario analysis, Power Query)

Workforce planning tools & analytics (labor modeling, scheduling systems)

Power BI or Tableau (dashboarding, workforce KPIs, labor insights)

Data analysis & forecasting (demand planning, capacity modeling)

SQL or data querying (workforce and labor data extraction)

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint for executive reporting)

Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel:

This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Company:: United Natural Foods Inc.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state/provincial and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), Click HERE for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program (or retirement savings plan if in Canada); medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account (U.S. only), subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate?s first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI?s commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors.

UNFI?s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company?s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act or for Canadian applicants in accordance with provincial human rights legislation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application online using the link below.

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