Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Location: Bloomington, MN

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About Schmitt Music

For more than 125 years, Schmitt Music has helped people discover the joy of making music. As a respected, family-owned musical instrument retailer serving the Twin Cities and surrounding region, we support musicians at every stage of their musical journey, from first-time students to professional performers.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking a strategic and hands-on Operations Manager to help build and scale the operational capabilities that support our stores, educational representatives, online business, and internal operations.

About the Role

This role provides hands-on leadership for strengthening and scaling Schmitt Music’s operational infrastructure, including inventory management, warehouse operations, transportation, and delivery. The Operations Manager oversees critical operational functions and select non-retail profit centers, ensuring efficient execution and strong financial performance.

The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with practical execution. They excel at building operational systems, improving processes, aligning teams around measurable performance goals, and leading with accountability, responsiveness, and a strong sense of urgency in serving both internal and external customers.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager leads Schmitt Music’s supply chain, warehouse, logistics, and inventory control functions. This role is responsible for ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time to support stores, Educational Representatives, online sales, and internal operations.

Partnering closely with store leadership, Educational Representatives, and cross-functional teams, the Operations Manager aligns operational resources, KPIs, and inventory strategies with business demand. This position drives scalable systems, data-informed decision-making, and continuous operational improvement across the organization.

Core Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead warehouse, logistics, inventory control, and centralized operational services
• Establish and manage company-wide operational KPIs including inventory accuracy, turnaround time, labor utilization, fill rates, and on-time delivery
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration between Retail, Buying, Finance, Rental, and Service teams
• Build a culture of accountability, execution, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Lead with urgency and set expectations for responsive communication across all operational functions

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time by aligning inventory allocation and replenishment strategies with demand across stores and school service channels
• Partner closely with the Buying team to anticipate purchasing needs and inform buying decisions based on operational demand, inventory performance, and service level goals
• Work closely with Store Managers and Educational Representatives to anticipate needs and ensure product availability for both internal stakeholders and external customers
• Partner with Band and Orchestra Repair Shop Managers to ensure timely access to parts, materials, and inventory needed to support internal operations and external customer service
• Oversee receiving, shipping, returns, and intercompany transfers across all operational locations
• Maintain high inventory accuracy through cycle counts, reconciliation processes, and system controls
• Develop and maintain SOPs for warehouse operations, fulfillment, contract orders, and inventory management
• Optimize working capital through effective inventory planning and control
• Leverage inventory management and operational systems to improve visibility, reporting, and operational decision-making

Logistics & Delivery Oversight

• Oversee local and regional delivery routing, scheduling, and execution
• Ensure DOT compliance and transportation safety standards are maintained
• Improve delivery efficiency and transportation cost management

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage operational budgets and expense controls
• Analyze inventory variances, transportation costs, and operational efficiency metrics
• Identify cost savings opportunities and operational efficiencies
• Provide regular operational performance reporting and insights to executive leadership

Work Environment & Expectations

This is an onsite leadership role based in Bloomington, MN, with regular presence in both office and warehouse environments. The Operations Manager is expected to be actively engaged with operational teams and processes, maintaining visibility across day-to-day operations and supporting a culture of accountability and execution.

Our business is seasonal in nature, and the ability to step up during peak periods is essential. While typical work hours range from 40–50 hours per week, additional time and flexibility may be required during the busy season to ensure operational success.

This role may also involve occasional travel to other company locations throughout the Midwest. While the position is primarily based in Bloomington, the Director should be comfortable taking a hands-on approach when needed to support operations across the organization.

Note: This job description is not intended to cover every responsibility or task associated with the position and may evolve over time.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in operations, supply chain, logistics, distribution, or multi-location retail operations
• Proven experience leading warehouse operations, inventory management, and product distribution in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of supply chain planning, inventory control, and fulfillment operations
• Demonstrated ability to build operational systems, improve processes, and drive measurable performance improvements
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, analyzing operational metrics, and driving cost efficiency
• Experience establishing and managing operational KPIs such as inventory accuracy, fulfillment performance, service levels, and operational productivity
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with sales, buying, finance, and service organizations
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Music retail or service industry experience preferred; candidates with strong operations leadership experience in retail, distribution, logistics, or manufacturing environments are also encouraged to apply

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000