Strategic Operations Leader - Beverage Distribution

Women of the Vine & Spirits; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Brothers Liquor Company in Lorton, VA seeks a Director of Operations to lead branch operations, including warehouse, delivery, customer service, inventory, safety, and facility operations. This role partners with the General Manager and corporate leadership to drive performance, strategic planning, and resource allocation for current and future business needs.

You will recruit and develop leaders, establish performance expectations, and drive continuous improvement across all functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Five to ten years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, logistics, transportation, warehouse operations, beverage operations, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated success leading managers and multiple operational functions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of operational leadership, labor planning, budgeting, inventory management, transportation operations, capacity planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience analyzing operational and financial data to support decision-making and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, inventory management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and operational reporting tools.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution and leadership development.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for warehouse, delivery, customer service, inventory, and facility operations through direct management of operational leaders.
• Establish operational goals, performance expectations, and accountability measures aligned with company objectives.
• Monitor operational performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, service levels, productivity, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Identify operational risks, resource constraints, and improvement opportunities and implement appropriate action plans.
• Ensure operational processes and resources remain scalable to support current and future business needs.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing operational leaders and employees.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold managers accountable for results, employee development, safety, and service standards.
• Conduct performance evaluations, succession planning, employee development discussions, and corrective action processes as needed.
• Foster a culture of accountability, communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Support organizational change initiatives and promote employee engagement and professional growth.
• Manage operational expenses, labor costs, and departmental spending in accordance with budgets and financial objectives.
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, opportunities, and corrective actions.
• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Monitor workforce productivity, staffing effectiveness, and resource allocation to ensure efficient operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability through operational efficiencies and cost management.
• Evaluate labor, facility, equipment, and capacity requirements to support growth objectives.
• Develop operational plans aligning staffing, infrastructure, and resources with growth.
• Assess impacts of suppliers, products, customers, and expansion initiatives.
• Partner with Sales, Purchasing, and Corporate leadership for readiness for growth.
• Lead planning for warehouse capacity, facility utilization, and long-term scalability.
• Maintain accountability for inventory accuracy, inventory control processes, and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with leaders to meet inventory, delivery, and service objectives.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions as needed.
• Support initiatives that improve service execution and customer satisfaction.
• Chair the local safety committee and promote a culture where safety is core.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, licensing, excise tax, and other regulations.
• Lead risk management through audits, inspections, investigations, and corrective action.
• Protect and maintain company assets, facilities, inventory, and equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

Inventory management

Regulatory compliance

ERP systems

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

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

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management systems

Microsoft Office

Operational reporting tools

Job description

Johnson Brothers Liquor Company in Lorton, VA seeks a Director of Operations to lead branch operations, including warehouse, delivery, customer service, inventory, safety, and facility operations. This role partners with the General Manager and corporate leadership to drive performance, strategic planning, and resource allocation for current and future business needs.

You will recruit and develop leaders, establish performance expectations, and drive continuous improvement across all functional