Operations Program Manager

Johnson Brothers•St. Paul, MN

About The Position

The Operations Program Manager is responsible for leading and executing complex, cross-functional operational initiatives that support Johnson Brothers' distribution network and strategic growth objectives. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Operations, this role serves as a key member of the Warehouse Excellence team, overseeing multiple concurrent projects, including warehouse management system (WMS) implementations, facility transitions, automation deployments, inventory migration strategies, and operational process improvements. This role operates in a highly matrixed environment requiring strong influence across market and functional leadership teams. The ideal candidate combines strong project management expertise with warehouse and supply chain operations knowledge, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to customer service and daily operations.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.