Operations Program Manager

Johnson Brothers; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Brothers is seeking an Operations Program Manager to lead and execute complex cross-functional operational initiatives across our distribution network. You will oversee multiple concurrent projects including WMS implementations, facility transitions, and automation deployments, reporting to the Director of Strategic Operations.

The role requires a strong background in warehouse and supply chain operations, with proven experience delivering projects on time and within budget in a matrixed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of project or program experience in warehouse, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or supply chain.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Scheduling

Risk management

Cross-functional leadership

Microsoft Office

PM tools

Education

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

PMP certification

Tools

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 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

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.

Worker Sub-Type: Temporary

Time Type: Full time