Distribution Manager

Job Description:

Johnson Brothers is a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, delivering exceptional service since 1953.

Built on our corporate values of teamwork and work ethic, Johnson Brothers of Nebraska has grown to become the largest distributor of wine and craft beer in the state of Nebraska. Operating since 2006, the organization boasts a first-class portfolio that features many of the industry’s finest wine, spirits, and beer brands. Additionally, Johnson Brothers is the only statewide distributor to provide delivery to customers across the Cornhusker state.

The Distribution Manager is a hands-on operational leader responsible for overseeing all warehouse and delivery operations across NE. This role provides leadership and direction for warehouse, transportation, and fleet operations while ensuring safety, compliance, productivity, and exceptional customer service.

The Distribution Manager will oversee daily warehouse an delivery functions including receiving, replenishment, order selection, loading, inventory control, and delivery operations. This role also serves as a key liaison between drivers, routing, and corporate operations teams to optimize delivery performance and operational efficiency.

Success in this role requires a strong leadership presence, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across both warehouse and transportation functions.

Key Operational Metrics:

• Approximately 5-6 delivery routes daily

• Approximately 10,000+ cases picked and delivered nightly

• Fleet management of approximately 5–8 CDL box trucks

• Oversight of warehouse and delivery operations

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and develop warehouse and delivery teams, fostering accountability, engagement, safety, and operational excellence.

• Direct daily warehouse operations including receiving, replenishment, order selection, loading, and delivery functions.

• Oversee fleet operations and maintain compliance with all DOT, company, state, and local transportation regulations.

• Manage and maintain driver compliance records and transportation metrics to ensure operational standards are consistently achieved.

• Partner closely with routing teams to optimize delivery routes, provide operational feedback, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Oversee inbound purchase orders, receiving discrepancies, and damage reporting processes to support timely vendor claims submissions.

• Ensure replenishment activities are completed accurately and efficiently prior to order selection operations.

• Monitor labor hours, operational KPIs, and productivity metrics while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

• Analyze operational data and present recommendations for process improvements and cost-saving initiatives.

• Research and resolve warehousing, transportation, and delivery-related issues in a timely manner.

• Support hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and development of warehouse and delivery employees.

• Maintain a safe and secure working environment while ensuring compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.

Leadership Competencies

• Develop Teams – Build and develop high-performing warehouse and transportation teams.

• Deliver Results – Drive operational efficiency, service performance, and accountability.

• Communicate Effectively – Build strong relationships across departments and provide clear direction to teams.

• Lead Through Change – Adapt quickly and effectively within a fast-paced operational environment.

• Drive Continuous Improvement – Use metrics and operational insights to improve processes and reduce costs.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of leadership experience in warehouse, transportation, or distribution operations.

• Proven track record managing warehouse and delivery operations in a distribution environment.

• Strong knowledge of fleet operations, driver management, and DOT compliance requirements.

• Experience managing delivery drivers, warehouse employees, and labor planning.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and operational planning skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• General working knowledge of trucks, fleet maintenance, and repair practices preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong sense of urgency and ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Food & beverage or DSD experience is helpful but not required.

Why This Role Matters

The Distribution Manager plays a critical role in ensuring products move safely, efficiently, and accurately throughout NE while supporting exceptional service for Johnson Brothers customers. This role directly impacts operational performance, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction through strong leadership and continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Life insurance & disability coverage

• 401(k) with employer match

• Paid time off & paid parental leave

• Career growth opportunities within a leading beverage distributor

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time