Managing Director of Operations

State of Utah•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Managing Director of Operations provides executive leadership for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services’ (DABS) operational functions, ensuring the efficient, safe, and customer-focused movement of alcoholic products from procurement through distribution and retail sale. The Managing Director of Operations reports directly to the Department Commissioner and may receive assignments from other department leaders, the Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission (Commission), or the Governor's Office.

Requirements

Knowledge of retail operations and supply chain management.
Strong understanding of inventory management, procurement, forecasting, and distribution.
Strong analytical and financial management skills.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
Ability to make sound decisions in a highly visible public-sector environment.
Ability to balance customer service, operational efficiency, and regulatory responsibilities.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; or 4 to 6 years of direct, progressive professional experience in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, or multi-site retail operations.
Experience managing and overseeing multiple operational functions.
Experience managing large budgets and leading cross-functional organizations.
21 years of age or older
Able to pass a background check

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field or 6 to 8+ years of extensive, high-level leadership experience in a relevant field such as a government-operated retail enterprise, a control state, or a highly regulated industry.
Experience in a government-operated retail enterprise, control state, regulated industry, or large multi-site retail organization.
Experience leading ERP implementations, warehouse modernization, or enterprise operational transformation.
Experience in state, local, or federal government or highly regulated industry.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the department's operational strategy in alignment with organizational priorities.
Lead and mentor operations teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Establish operational performance measures and monitor results across all areas of responsibility.
Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic recommendations on operations.
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Commission on department operational functions.
Collaborate with IT partners on system enhancements, including ERP, warehouse management, inventory, and retail technologies.
Direct statewide purchasing and replenishment strategies to ensure appropriate product forecasting and availability.
Oversee supplier relationships and procurement activities while maintaining sound inventory controls.
Collaborate with the department finance team to optimize inventory investment and reduce carrying costs.
Direct merchandising strategy to optimize product presentation and customer experience.
Utilize sales data and customer insights to improve merchandising decisions and programs.
Provide executive oversight of warehouse operations and statewide distribution activities.
Ensure safe, efficient, and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of inventory.
Lead improvements in warehouse infrastructure, technology, automation, and operational processes.
Manage regional and retail store managers across the state.
Ensure consistent execution of operational standards and training across all state retail store locations and operations.