Director of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Operations – Alcohol Beverage Distributor

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the alcohol beverage distribution business, including warehouse operations, inventory management, delivery operations, fleet coordination, systems, and personnel. This position will ensure that products are received, stored, picked, loaded, delivered, and accounted for accurately and efficiently while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable alcohol beverage regulations.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience in the beverage distribution industry, strong operational and inventory management skills, experience managing employees, and a working knowledge of delivery trucks and fleet operations.

Key Responsibilities

**Operations Management**

* Oversee daily warehouse, delivery, and distribution operations.

* Develop and maintain efficient operating procedures and workflows.

* Ensure customer orders are accurately picked, loaded, delivered, and invoiced.

* Coordinate warehouse and delivery schedules to maximize efficiency.

* Identify operational problems and implement solutions.

* Monitor operating costs and look for opportunities to improve productivity and profitability.

**Inventory & Warehouse Management**

* Maintain accurate inventory levels and inventory records.

* Oversee receiving, put-away, picking, loading, transfers, returns, and product rotation.

* Ensure proper handling and storage of beer, wine, spirits, and other beverage products.

* Monitor inventory discrepancies, damages, breakage, shortages, and overages.

* Conduct and oversee regular physical inventory counts.

* Maintain proper product rotation and warehouse organization.

* Work closely with purchasing and sales teams to maintain appropriate inventory levels.

**Systems & Technology**

* Manage and maintain operational systems used for inventory, warehouse, routing, deliveries, and reporting.

* Have a strong understanding of inventory management and distribution software.

* Ensure employees are properly trained on company systems and procedures.

* Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology and automation.

* Monitor system data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies.

**Fleet & Delivery Operations**

* Oversee the company's delivery fleet and delivery operations.

* Maintain a working knowledge of heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and delivery vehicles, including basic mechanical and operational requirements.

* Coordinate vehicle maintenance, inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance.

* Monitor vehicle utilization, fuel costs, mileage, and operating expenses.

* Ensure delivery vehicles are properly loaded, secured, and maintained.

* Work with drivers to address vehicle, route, delivery, and customer-service issues.

* Ensure drivers follow company safety procedures and applicable transportation requirements.

**Personnel Management**

* Recruit, train, supervise, and develop warehouse and delivery personnel.

* Establish clear expectations and hold employees accountable for performance.

* Manage scheduling, attendance, productivity, and employee performance.

* Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching.

* Address employee issues promptly and professionally.

* Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.

**Compliance & Safety**

* Ensure operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing alcohol beverage distribution.

* Maintain safe warehouse and delivery operations.

* Ensure employees follow proper workplace safety procedures.

* Maintain appropriate records and documentation.

* Work with management to address regulatory or compliance issues.

Required Qualifications

*5+ years of experience in beverage distribution, alcohol distribution, wholesale distribution, or a closely related industry

* Proven experience managing warehouse and/or distribution operations.

* Demonstrated experience managing and supervising employees.

* Strong knowledge of inventory management and distribution systems.

* Experience working with warehouse management, ERP, routing, or inventory software.

* Working knowledge of heavy-duty trucks and commercial delivery vehicles, including basic maintenance and troubleshooting.

* Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced distribution environment.

* Strong communication and leadership skills.

* Ability to work collaboratively with sales, purchasing, accounting, warehouse, and delivery teams.

* Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience specifically in beer, wine, spirits, or beverage distribution.

* Experience managing a fleet of commercial delivery vehicles.

* Knowledge of alcohol beverage distribution regulations.

* Experience with warehouse management systems and route-management software.

* CDL experience or familiarity with CDL-regulated operations.

* Experience with inventory control, cycle counts, and physical inventories.

* Experience implementing new operational systems or processes.

Key Performance Expectations

The Director of Operations will be expected to maintain:

* Accurate inventory

* Efficient warehouse operations

* On-time and accurate deliveries

* Proper product rotation and handling

* Well-maintained delivery vehicles

* Controlled operating expenses

* Strong employee performance and accountability

* Safe working conditions

* Accurate operational reporting

* Consistent compliance with company and regulatory requirements

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operations leader who understands the beverage distribution business from the ground up. They should be comfortable working in a warehouse, dealing with inventory issues, troubleshooting operational problems, managing drivers and warehouse employees, working with computer systems, and communicating with ownership and other department managers.

This is a leadership position, but the successful candidate should be willing toroll up their sleeves and get involved in the day-to-day operation when necessary.