2027 NextGen Operations Program | Lakeland, FL

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Dental and vision plans

401(k) plan

Tuition assistance

Wellness program

Job summary

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits in Lakeland, FL offers the NextGen Operations Program (NGOP), a structured rotational path to develop future warehouse leaders. You’ll rotate through outbound, inbound, logistics and inventory control while building leadership skills and mentoring relationships with senior leaders.

You’ll graduate into warehouse supervisory roles across our national network, with exposure to advanced technology, data-driven improvement projects, and a pathway to fast-track your

Qualifications

• Must be graduating with Bachelor’s degree or Associate degree (December 2026 or May 2027 graduates).
• Preferred degrees include Business Administration/Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Must be a graduating senior or up to 2 years post-graduation.
• Willingness to relocate after program completion or travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Rotate across core functions, taking on leadership assignments and projects.
• Lead and manage operational improvement projects with measurable results.
• Support supervisors in day-to-day operations and motivate frontline employees.
• Analyze processes and identify efficiency, safety, and engagement opportunities.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leaders.

Skills

Leadership potential

Strong communication

Data-driven

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate degree

Business Administration/Management

Supply Chain/Logistics

Operations Management

Industrial Engineering

Job description

What You Need To Know

Shape a remarkable future with us. Build a career working for an industry leader that truly invests in their people – and equips them with leading technology, continuous learning, and the ability to bring their best selves to work. As North America's largest total beverage distributor, Southern Glazer’s isn't just one of Forbes’ Top Private Companies; it's a family-owned business with deep roots dating back to 1933.

Southern Glazer’s is proud of its well-earned positive reputation, continually achieving accolades for our outstanding workplace culture. We take pride in creating a culture where our people are valued, supported, and provided opportunities for growth and belonging.

As a full-time employee, you can choose from a wide-ranging menu of our Top Shelf Benefits, including comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage, dental and vision plans, tax-saving Flexible Spending Accounts, disability coverage, life insurance plans, and a 401(k) plan. We also offer tuition assistance, a wellness program, parental leave, vacation accrual, paid sick leave, and more.

By joining Southern Glazer’s, you would be part of a team that values excellence, innovation, and community. This is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to build the future of beverage distribution and grow with a company that truly cares about its people.

Southern Glazer’s offers a competitive compensation package with expected first year total earnings of $73000 / year including bonus. In determining a final offer, the company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills and experience and will make an offer appropriately.

Overview

About the Program

The NextGen Operations Program (NGOP) is a structured rotational program designed to develop the next generation of operational leaders within the largest wine and spirits distributor in the U.S.

Associates gain hands-on experience in Logistics, Warehousing, and Distribution, building a strong foundation in warehouse operations while developing leadership skills that prepare them for long-term careers in management.

Throughout the program, you’ll rotate through core operational functions in the warehouse, gain national exposure, and work closely with mentors and senior leaders. The program blends real-world experience, classroom-style learning, and project-based development to ensure you graduate with the skills to step into a supervisory role within the warehouse.

What to Expect from the Program

• Rotate through Outbound, Inbound, Logistics and Inventory Control— the core engines of our operations.
• Take on real leadership responsibilities, working side-by-side with frontline teams and supporting supervisors.
• Gain exposure to advanced technology, large-scale distribution, and industry-leading best practices.
• Exposure to meeting with senior leaders, and build a national peer network.
• Complete a Capstone Project at the end of the program, presenting your impact and insights directly to SGWS executives.

• National networking with peers and leaders
• Mentorship program and 1:1 developmental coaching
• Training opportunities including Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and leadership developmental programs
• Monthly cohort calls and guest speaker sessions

Graduates of the program step directly into warehouse supervisory roles with opportunities to fast track your career advancing into leadership management across our national network.

Primary Responsibilities

• Rotate across core functions, taking on leadership assignments and projects
• Lead and manage operational improvement projects with measurable results
• Support supervisors in day-to-day operations and motivate frontline employees
• Analyze processes and identify efficiency, safety, and engagement opportunities
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leaders

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship or work experience in logistics, supply chain, or warehousing
• Leadership experience through sports, student organizations, community involvement, military service, or past employment
• Comfort with data, analytics, and technology

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be graduating with Bachelor’s degree or Associates degree (December 2026 or May 2027 graduates)
• Preferred degrees: Business Administration/ Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred
• Must be a graduating senior or up to 2 years post-graduation
• Strong leadership potential and ability to connect with and motivate diverse teams
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Requires overnight work during the 3-month outbound rotation
• Willingness to relocate after program completion or travel as business needs require
• Adaptability and resilience to succeed in a fast-paced warehouse environment
• Must be 21 years old or older at the start of the program

Physical Demands

• Physical demands include a considerable amount of time walking, bending, reaching, standing, squatting, and stooping
• Additional hours may be required during October, November, and December and other peak periods
• May require working at heights of 8 feet or greater
• May require lifting/lowering, pushing, carrying, or pulling up to 56lb

EEO Statement

Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, an affirmative action/EEO employer, prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. SGWS complies with all federal, state and local laws concerning consideration of a qualified applicant's arrest and/or criminal conviction records. Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits provides competitive compensation based on estimated performance level consistent with the past relevant experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education of employees. Unless otherwise expressly stated, any pay ranges posted here are estimates from outside of Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and do not reflect Southern Glazer's pay bands or ranges.