The Operations Manager’s primary responsibilities involve overseeing and coordinating the day-to-day operational activities related to importing wines from foreign countries. This is a key position that will directly assist/manage in the overall smooth running, and growth of our small company as we expand our markets. This position will report directly to the company’s co-founders and supports the execution of the company’s vision and goals.

Typical weekly/monthly duties and roles associated with this position are:

•  Supply Chain Management: Manage the entire supply chain process, including managing suppliers, negotiating contracts, coordinating logistics, and ensuring timely delivery of imported goods.

•  Customs Compliance: Ensure compliance with all customs regulations, import/export laws, and trade agreements. Prepare and file necessary documentation, such as import declarations, permits, and licenses.

•  State Compliance: Coordinate with finance to ensure state compliance reports are filed on a timely basis.

•  Inventory Management: Develop and implement effective inventory control systems, monitor stock levels, and optimize inventory turnover to meet demand while minimizing carrying costs.

•  Logistics Coordination: Arrange and oversee the transportation of wine, including selecting carriers, negotiating rates, and tracking shipments from origin to destination.

•  Key Customer Management: Manage order and delivery coordination for key customers.

•  Quality Control: Establish and enforce quality control procedures to ensure that imports are brought in efficiently and on-time.

•  Vendor Management: Identify, evaluate, and maintain relationships with reliable international/domestic suppliers or vendors, negotiating favorable terms and resolving any issues or disputes.

•  Cost Analysis: Continuously analyze import costs, including duties, taxes, transportation, and handling fees, to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve profitability.

•  Regulatory Compliance: Stay up-to-date with changing import regulations, trade policies, and industry standards, and ensure the company's operations comply with all applicable laws and guidelines.

•  Team Coordination: Help coordinate the activities of internal and external personnel, such as customs brokers, freight forwarders, and warehouse staff. Work directly with finance and president to assist in project cash-flow and vendor payments.

•  Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and streamline import operations, identifying bottlenecks and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.

To excel in this role, you will need a background in supply chain management, logistics, and/or operations management. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are also essential, along with proficiency in relevant software and systems used in import operations. Candidate must thrive in small, nimble organizations and have the ability to wear many hats with a consistent workload. We are a growing small company, which gives this position plenty of room for growth and increasing importance. This position will truly have a hand and a say in every aspect of the company’s operation.

Basic Requirements:
•  Bachelor’s Degree in project management, supply chain/logistics, business, or equivalent combination of education and experience
•  Must have project management experience
•  Inventory Management Software experience
•  Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
•  Ability to work effectively with tight and frequently changing deadlines
•  Solid organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and to work independently with minimum supervision
•  Detail-oriented with demonstrated problem-solving skills.
•  Work from office in Gaithersburg
Desired Skills:
•  Previous experience in negotiation and managing of parcel, LTL, and international transportation rates
•  Experience with the wholesale or alcohol industry is a plus, or demonstrated ability to quickly gain an understanding of the alcohol industry
•  Prior experience in operations, import compliance, logistics, freight forwarding, freight brokerage or related field
•  Understandings of importing principles such as export classifications, harmonized tariffs, Scheduled B numbers, INCO terms, country of origin, duties, and taxes
•  Advanced Mac OS skills, proficient in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
•  French or Spanish proficiency is a plus