Strategic Ops Program Lead (WMS & Warehousing)

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

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