Distribution & Logistics Network Program Manager

Columbia Sportswear • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Distribution & Logistics Network Program Manager leads strategic supply chain, distribution, and logistics programs, with a focus on distribution technology, warehouse automation, and logistics transformation. The role oversees large-scale implementations in company-operated distribution centers and third-party logistics (3PL) facilities, including warehouse systems, automation technologies, and related supply chain solutions. Programs may involve WMS, WCS, WES, LMS, AutoStore, material handling systems, robotics, and other technologies.

The role manages the full program lifecycle, from business case development, vendor selection, RFI/RFP processes, and solution design through testing, operational readiness, deployment, stabilization, and continuous improvement. The Program Manager partners with Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Engineering, automation providers, implementation partners, 3PL operators, and organizational change management teams to improve service levels, distribution efficiency, operational risk, and long-term supply chain performance. The position reports to the Sr. Director of Operational Excellence, Capability, and Engineering for Supply Chain, and has no direct reports.

This is a hybrid position based at company headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is onsite work four days per week, subject to change based on business needs and company discretion. Domestic or global travel is 10% to 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or applicable certification and experience.
• 8+ years of supply chain strategic project or program experience combined with distribution and logistics initiatives.
• Experience working with third-party logistics providers.
• Comprehensive understanding of project management methodologies, including waterfall and Agile principles, and their application in workplace culture.
• Experience implementing Manhattan Associates, Blue Yonder, SAP EWM, or similar WMS platforms.
• Experience with warehouse automation technologies, including AutoStore, ASRS, robotics, sortation, conveyor systems, or goods-to-person solutions.
• Strong PMO and Gantt-based project management experience and a proven record of leading multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to lead and influence without direct supervisory authority, provide direction, and act as a resource for less-experienced colleagues.
• Ability to prioritize team and individual tasks and respond to urgent requests with minimal supervisory involvement.
• Expertise in strategic planning and financial planning, forecasting, and tracking.
• Ability to develop influential, collaborative relationships across teams, functions, and organizational levels.
• Ability to communicate a clear vision and sense of urgency, mobilize teams, and achieve targeted business results with minimal supervision.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel domestically or globally 10% to 25%.

Nice To Haves

• PMP, PgMP, Agile, or comparable project management certification, or work experience using these frameworks.
• Experience working with other cultures in a business setting, with awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of strategic supply chain, distribution, and logistics programs to deliver measurable business value and operational improvements.
• Build partnerships across business, operations, technology, engineering, and logistics teams in company-operated and 3PL distribution environments.
• Manage multiple complex programs simultaneously, balancing scope, schedule, budget, and resource constraints.
• Develop and maintain program deliverables, including business cases, roadmaps, implementation plans, milestone tracking, status reports, risk registers, and dependency management.
• Partner with organizational change management teams on stakeholder analysis, impact assessments, communications, training, and adoption activities.
• Plan and facilitate workshops, design sessions, steering committees, and cross-functional working sessions.
• Monitor program metrics, analytics, and KPIs; identify risks; support proactive issue resolution and data-driven decisions.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex program issues and recommend and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare executive communications, status reports, and presentations for senior leadership and steering committees.
• Lead distribution technology, warehouse automation, and logistics transformation initiatives across company-operated and 3PL distribution centers.
• Coordinate business planning, operational design, and implementation readiness for WMS, WCS, WES, LMS, and warehouse automation solutions.
• Coordinate operational readiness with distribution center leadership and 3PL operators, including process documentation, training, cutover planning, communications, and post-go-live support.
• Orchestrate evaluation and selection of supply chain technologies, automation solutions, and 3PL providers through RFI, RFP, proof-of-concept, and vendor assessment processes.
• Coordinate business participation in solution design, conference room pilots, system testing, UAT, process validation, and go-live readiness.
• Support distribution network expansion, facility start-ups, automation deployments, and strategic transformation initiatives.
• Coordinate implementation of AutoStore, goods-to-person solutions, ASRS, robotics, conveyor systems, sortation systems, and material handling equipment.
• Facilitate system integration testing, UAT, operational readiness testing, defect management, and go-live validation.
• Partner with the Continuous Improvement Manager to establish governance for post-implementation improvement initiatives, business outcomes, and operational metrics.
• Maintain visibility into continuous improvement portfolios and ensure action plans, dependencies, risks, and expected benefits are documented and communicated.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and a health savings account.
• Voluntary benefits, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services.
• Free, confidential 24/7/365 EAP+ counseling services.
• Wellness benefits.
• Employee discounts.
• Generous time-off program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior