VMI Program Operations Manager

Nelson-Jameson, Inc • Town of McMillan, WI

10h • Onsite

About The Position

The VMI Program Operations Manager is responsible for leading the daily execution, long-term maintenance, and continuous improvement of active Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs within our Inventory Solutions Department. This role oversees field-based specialists and supports customer inventory programs that are critical to operational success. Working closely with customers and cross-functional teams, this position ensures program continuity, service excellence, and strong operational performance. Success in this role requires balancing customer needs, team leadership, and business objectives while driving consistency, accountability, and process improvement. This is an active, visible leadership role that combines strategic oversight with a willingness to step in and provide hands-on support when needed to maintain peak program performance.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience in operations, distribution, inventory management, customer-facing program management, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, organization, prioritization, and people management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across customers and cross-functional teams.
• Analytical and detail-oriented mindset with the ability to interpret operational data and support process improvements.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, adapt to changing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to learn inventory management systems, ERP platforms, CRM systems, and project management tools.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to customer locations across the nation via air or vehicle; valid driver’s license and insurable driving record required. Ability to safely work in office, warehouse, and customer environments and meet the physical requirements of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of leadership experience, including supervisory, project management, operational leadership, or people management responsibilities.
• Experience leading multiple employee groups, field-based teams, or customer-facing operational programs.
• Experience in distribution, inventory management, manufacturing, industrial supply, or a related industry.
• Familiarity with Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), customer-managed inventory programs, replenishment operations, or inventory solutions.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives, KPI development, and operational reporting.
• Knowledge of industry products, programs, and operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop assigned team members by establishing clear expectations, monitoring performance, fostering accountability, and promoting a collaborative, customer-focused environment.
• Direct daily operations and staffing activities to ensure seamless route coverage, maintain uninterrupted service, and support the successful execution and long-term sustainability of active Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs.
• Provide hands-on operational support by assisting with program updates, coverage changes, installations, and other logistical needs as required to maintain peak program performance and minimize service disruptions.
• Coordinate and conduct program audits and quality reviews, both remotely and onsite, to ensure programs consistently meet company standards, maintain operational excellence, and represent the brand professionally.
• Analyze dashboards, operational reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, evaluate account health, uncover efficiency opportunities, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with customers and cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution of program activities and deliver meaningful, customer-focused operational insights.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for fulfillment issues, customer concerns, product availability gaps, program quality matters, and underperforming accounts, proactively resolving issues to support customer satisfaction and long-term program success.
• Apply business knowledge and sound judgment to balance customer objectives, operational execution, and company profitability while recommending process improvements and efficiency opportunities.
• Support program discovery, assessments, onboarding activities, physical installations, and facility setups while ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Travel as needed to support customer accounts, onsite audits, installations, team oversight, and other operational requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation: Starting at $72,000+ annually, with starting pay dependent upon education, experience, and qualifications.
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Paid time off at time of hire
• Annual allowance for company-branded clothing
• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
• And much more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree