Operations Manager

Position Summary:

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day warehouse and delivery operations for a beer wholesaler. This role ensures efficient, safe, and cost-effective operations while maintaining strong labor relations in a unionized warehouse and delivery environment.

The Operations Manager leads supervisors, works closely with sales and finance, ensures compliance with supplier standards, DOT regulations, and company policies, and drives continuous improvement across logistics, warehousing, and distribution.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily warehouse and delivery operations 


• Ensure timely, accurate, and efficient order picking, loading, and delivery execution


• Manage inventory flow, storage, rotation, and freshness standards (including code dates)


• Optimize routing, labor scheduling, and equipment utilization to meet service and cost goals


• Ensure compliance with all Anheuser-Busch and other relevant supplier standards and performance requirements

• Manage operations in a unionized environment in accordance with collective bargaining agreements


• Partner with HR and leadership to address discipline, grievances, attendance, and performance issues


• Foster a respectful, productive labor-management relationship


• Ensure supervisors consistently apply contract language, work rules, and policies

• Lead, coach, and develop warehouse and delivery supervisors


• Set clear expectations, performance metrics, and accountability standards


• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement


• Support training and onboarding for new hires and supervisors

• Maintain a strong safety culture across warehouse and delivery operations


• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, FMCSA, state alcohol regulations, and company safety policies


• Oversee accident investigations, corrective actions, and safety training


• Ensure fleet, warehouse equipment, and facilities are maintained and compliant

• Manage operational budgets, labor costs, and overtime control


• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as productivity, service levels, shrink, and safety


• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service


• Collaborate with finance on forecasting, capital needs, and cost controls

• Partner with Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR to support company objectives


• Support sales execution through reliable service, special events, and peak season planning


• Coordinate with suppliers, vendors, and service providers as needed

Qualifications:

• 5 years of operations leadership experience in beverage distribution, food distribution, or logistics


• Prior experience managing unionized warehouse and/or delivery teams


• Strong knowledge of warehouse, fleet, and route delivery operations


• Experience with DOT compliance and safety programs


• Proven ability to lead supervisors and hourly teams in a fast-paced environment


• Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills


• Capability with technology, including routing, WMS and Microsoft Office Systems 

• Experience in beer distribution or Anheuser-Busch wholesaler environment


• Familiarity with route accounting systems, WMS, and fleet management systems


• Experience managing multi-shift operations


• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to work in temperature-variable environments (cold storage and outdoors).


• Ability to ride along on delivery routes as needed. 


• Ability to walk, stand, climb stairs or ladders regularly.

Work Environment:

• Warehouse office - noise levels may be high due to machinery and equipment use


• Field work out in trade - on-site visits to warehouse operations or trade locations


• May require early mornings, occasional weekends, and extended hours during peak seasons.