Operations Implementation Manager

Accountabilities:

• • Lead the end-to-end operational onboarding and implementation of new mid-market merchants, from post-sale handoff through operational readiness and transition to Merchant Success.
  • Act as the primary operational point of contact throughout implementation, coordinating stakeholders and ensuring milestones, requirements, and success criteria are clearly defined and achieved.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Merchant Implementation, Quality, fulfillment operations, forecasting, analytics, engineering, and Sales teams to deliver successful merchant launches.
  • Develop operational strategies tailored to each merchant’s unique SKU profiles, packaging requirements, volume expectations, and fulfillment needs.
  • Serve as an escalation point for fulfillment challenges during the first 30 days of onboarding, diagnosing complex issues and coordinating timely, sustainable resolutions.
  • Analyze merchant volume requirements and work with forecasting teams to anticipate capacity needs, communicate productivity impacts, and make appropriate operational adjustments.
  • Develop creative, scalable operational solutions for custom merchant requirements while maintaining alignment with established processes and standards.
  • Manage multiple concurrent implementation initiatives while maintaining strong attention to detail, timelines, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations.
  • Build strong relationships with merchants, suppliers, external partners, and internal stakeholders to create alignment and minimize operational friction.
  • Ensure all activities comply with applicable food safety, operational, and regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and take on additional operational responsibilities as needed.

  Requirements:

  • Minimum 8 years of experience in fulfillment operations, supply chain operations, operational program management, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated experience working directly with merchants, suppliers, vendors, or other external third parties.
  • Proven track record of leading complex initiatives and working cross-functionally to deliver measurable operational outcomes.
  • Strong program management skills, with the ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple projects and implementation workstreams simultaneously.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect Operations, merchants, and internal stakeholders and effectively bridge different perspectives.
  • High emotional intelligence and strong relationship-building capabilities, combined with sound operational judgment.
  • Ability to analyze operational data, understand volume and capacity requirements, and translate insights into practical business decisions.
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel and Power BI for analysis, reporting, and decision-making.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a solutions-oriented mindset, particularly when dealing with complex or customized operational requirements.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where priorities can evolve and ownership is expected.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including approximately 75% travel across the Midwest and up to 25% travel to other regions as business needs require.
  • Must be located within approximately one hour's drive of North Aurora, Illinois.

  Benefits:

  • Competitive base salary: Targeted annual salary of $95,000–$106,000 USD, with compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and role requirements.
  • Performance-based compensation: Eligibility to participate in a discretionary bonus program in accordance with applicable company policies and plans.
  • Health coverage: Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
  • Retirement benefits: 401(k) program with employer matching.
  • Paid time off: Flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid sick leave.
  • Parental support: Paid maternity and parental leave programs.
  • Wellness: Quarterly wellness days and broader employee wellness support.
  • Comprehensive benefits: Access to a broad benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial security, and overall well-being.
  • AI and productivity tools: Access to professional AI and productivity tools from the start of employment to support smarter, more efficient ways of working.
  • High-performance culture: A collaborative environment built around ownership, continuous learning, accountability, transparency, and meaningful professional growth.
  • Inclusive workplace: Commitment to equal employment opportunities and an environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued.