Operations Program Manager

Women of the Vine & Spirits; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Brothers Liquor Company seeks a seasoned Program & Project Leader to run large-scale programs across warehouse, distribution, and supply chain functions. You will build charters, timelines, budgets, and risk plans while coordinating cross-functional teams and external vendors to deliver complex outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading WMS implementations, facility transitions, and rigorous governance with executive reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, 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.

Responsibilities

• Own multiple large-scale operational projects 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, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies for successful outcomes.
• Provide regular status updates and executive-level reporting on progress, milestones, and KPIs.
• 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 testing, validation, training, cutover planning, and stabilization efforts.
• Partner with IT, vendors (Körber), and operations leadership to ensure adoption and continuity.
• Drive process standardization and continuous improvement from system enhancements.
• Plan and execute warehouse relocations and facility transitions with inventory build strategies.

Skills

Program Leadership

Cross-Functional Leadership

Executive Communication

Stakeholder Management

Supply Chain Operations

Risk Management

Process Improvement

Education

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

Tools

MS Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company

Johnson Brothers Liquor Company

Location

St. Paul, MN

Other

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