Automation can improve distribution operations, but only when leaders understand the work, the team, and the flexibility the business still needs.

In this episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, Sannah Vinding talks with Aaron Hein, Senior Director of Distribution Operations at Sager Electronics, about leading operational change, building a new distribution operation, and choosing flexibility before locking into automation too early.

Aaron shares what he learned from leading teams through change, communicating when information is incomplete, and staying steady when the plan keeps shifting. He also talks about where AI fits in warehouse and distribution operations today, and why the human side of leadership still matters.

In this episode, you will learn:

What distribution leaders should consider before they automate
Why flexibility can matter more than a fixed system in a new operation
How to lead through a facility transition with empathy and clarity
Why steady leadership matters when the plan keeps changing
Where AI can help operations, and where human judgment still matters
How leaders can build trust before asking teams to change
What younger leaders should know about patience and opportunity

Aaron Hein is Senior Director of Distribution Operations at Sager Electronics, where he leads operations, logistics, and quality efforts. He brings more than 15 years of experience in distribution, supply chain, continuous improvement, and industrial engineering across the electronics and manufacturing sectors.

Hosted by Sannah Vinding, the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast brings practical leadership conversations to leaders across electronics, manufacturing, distribution, and technical industries.

Newsletter: https://leadershipinmanufacturing.com/hello/

Stay curious. Keep learning.

This Podcast episode is sponsored by Sager Electronics