Operations Program Manager

Johnson Brothers Liquor Company; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

PTO & parental leave

Job summary

Johnson Brothers is seeking an Operations Program Manager to lead cross-functional initiatives across warehouse, transportation, inventory and distribution, reporting to the Director of Strategic Operations. You will manage multiple large-scale projects, oversee budgets and timelines, and drive risk mitigation to protect customer service.

This role sits within the Warehouse Excellence team and requires strong stakeholder management, PMP-level project leadership, and deep knowledge of warehouse

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; 10+ years of project or program experience within warehouse, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or supply chain environments.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale operational implementations and cross-functional projects.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Own multiple large-scale operational projects across warehouse, transportation, inventory, and distribution functions; develop charters, timelines, budgets, and risk plans.
• Lead end-to-end WMS implementation and go-live activities; coordinate testing, training, cutover, and stabilization.
• Plan and execute warehouse relocations and facility transitions; manage inventory build and transfer planning; ensure continuity of customer service.

Skills

Program Management

Stakeholder Management

Cross-Functional Leadership

Project Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Job description

The Operations Program Manager is responsible for leading and executing complex, cross-functional operational initiatives that support Johnson Brothers' distribution network and strategic growth objectives. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Operations, this role serves as a key member of the Warehouse Excellence team, overseeing multiple concurrent projects, including warehouse management system (WMS) implementations, facility transitions, automation deployments, inventory migration strategies, and operational process improvements. This role operates in a highly matrixed environment requiring strong influence across market and functional leadership teams. The ideal candidate combines strong project management expertise with warehouse and supply chain operations knowledge, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to customer service and daily operations.

Job Description:

Program & Project Leadership

Own multiple large-scale operational projects simultaneously across warehouse, transportation, inventory, and distribution functions. Develop project charters, timelines, budgets, risk assessments, communication plans, and implementation strategies. Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Finance, Facilities, Routing, Fleet, and external vendors. Monitor project performance, proactively identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes. Provide regular status updates and executive-level reporting on project progress, milestones, and key performance indicators. Develop and manage project budgets and capital expenditures across multiple projects.

Warehouse Management System (WMS) Implementations

Lead end-to-end WMS implementation and go-live activities across distribution facilities. Coordinate system testing, process validation, training, cutover planning, and post-go-live stabilization efforts. Partner with IT, software vendors (Kӧrber), and operations leadership to ensure successful adoption and operational continuity. Drive process standardization and continuous improvement opportunities resulting from system enhancements.

Facility Transitions & Building Cutover

Plan and execute warehouse relocation and facility transition projects, including movement from existing facilities to new distribution centers. Coordinate new facility design and buildout activities in partnership with internal teams and external vendors. Develop inventory build strategies to support uninterrupted customer service during transitions. Lead inventory transfer planning, execution, reconciliation, and accuracy validation. Coordinate facility startup activities, equipment installation, operational readiness assessments, and workforce transition.

Stakeholder Management

Build strong relationships with local and regional operational leaders, department leaders, vendors, contractors, and executive leadership. Influence cross-functional stakeholders without direct reporting authority to align resources, resolve issues, and maintain project momentum. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned programs and projects. Lead project meetings, steering committee reviews, and cross-functional planning sessions.

Qualifications Required

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field. 10+ years of project or program experience within warehouse, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or supply chain environments. Experience leading large-scale operational implementations and cross-functional projects. Knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory management, and distribution processes. Strong project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management skills. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities. Proficiency with project management tools and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Experience

Experience leading Warehouse Management System (WMS) implementations and go-live events. Experience managing warehouse relocations, facility startups, or network expansion projects. Knowledge of automation systems, conveyor systems, and material handling equipment. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent. Experience within beverage, food distribution, consumer goods, or high-volume distribution environments. Experience with AutoCAD or similar drafting software.

Key Competencies

• Program and Project Management
• Supply Chain & Distribution
• Operations
• Change Management
• Process Improvement
• Risk Management
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Executive Communication
• Strategic Planning
• Vendor Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Pay

The expected pay range for this role is $100,000 - 150,000.

Pay is based on several factors including, but not limited to, labor markets, education, candidate experience, certifications, etc.

Benefits

• Johnson Brothers offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, health savings and flexible spending accounts.
• Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k) with an employer match, short term disability coverage, company-paid long term disability insurance, generous paid time off (PTO) plans and paid parental leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Johnson Brothers is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair treatment and hiring based on qualifications. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

Johnson Brothers is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair treatment and hiring based on qualifications. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

Work Details

Worker Sub-Type: Regular Time Type: Full time

About Johnson Brothers

Johnson Brothers is a third-generation, family-owned wine, beer, and spirits distributor founded in 1953 by Lynn Johnson in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Guided by its founding values of work ethic, teamwork, excellence, innovation, passion, and integrity, the company partners with top-tier suppliers to deliver a world-class portfolio and exceptional service to customers across 25 states. The company was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for three consecutive years (2023–2025).

Learn more at johnsonbrothers.com | LinkedIn | Instagram.