Operations Management Trainee - TJ Sheehan

Objective: The Operations Management Trainee is an entry-level development position designed to provide hands-on experience across key areas of beverage distribution operations. Through structured rotational assignments in inventory control, warehouse operations, shipping and routing, and delivery management, this position develops a comprehensive understanding of operational processes, safety standards, and team leadership. The Operations Management Trainee supports daily business activities, identifies opportunities for improvement, and builds the skills necessary for future leadership opportunities within the organization.

Pay Rate: $24 - $31 per hour depending on experience

Shift: Mainly Days, with rotating evening/night shift required

Job Responsibilities:

Inventory Control

• Assist with maintaining accurate inventory records, product information, and warehouse inventory systems
• Monitor inventory shrinkage, breakage, and related transactions
• Participate in physical inventory counts, reconciliations, and audits
• Maintain product code-date information and support product freshness initiatives
• Assist with maintaining UPC information and other product master data
• Identify inventory discrepancies and communicate findings to the appropriate management team

Warehouse Operations

• Gain hands-on experience in product receiving, storage, replenishment, order selection, and truck loading
• Support efficient product placement and accurate warehouse inventory locations
• Work alongside warehouse supervisors and associates to understand daily workflows, productivity expectations, and operational challenges
• Participate in warehouse operations across multiple shifts to develop a comprehensive understanding of the distribution process
• Assist with coordinating inbound deliveries and product transfers between affiliated distributors
• Provide operational and supervisory support as assigned and appropriate to training and experience

Shipping & Routing

• Review customer orders for accuracy and assist with resolving missing, incomplete, or exception orders
• Support daily route planning and assignment of customer orders to delivery routes
• Prepare invoices, load sheets, and other shipping documentation
• Assist with coordinating backorders, special deliveries, and missed-order recovery
• Support daily staffing plans in coordination with warehouse and delivery management
• Facilitate communication between drivers, warehouse personnel, delivery management, and other departments
• Provide shipping and dispatch coverage as assigned

Delivery Management

• Gain an understanding of daily dispatch procedures, route execution, and delivery performance management
• Work alongside delivery personnel to support safety, productivity, and customer service objectives
• Assist with driver check-ins, field observations, and resolution of delivery concerns
• Coordinate with the appropriate teams regarding vehicle and delivery-equipment maintenance
• Support product rotation, code-date compliance, and the pickup of outdated or damaged products
• Provide delivery management support and coverage as assigned and appropriate to training and expertise

Professional Development & Operational Support

• Participate in structured rotational assignments to develop knowledge of all major Operations functions
• Learn company policies, operational procedures, safety standards, and performance expectations
• Develop an understanding of workforce planning, employee supervision, and operational decision-making
• Assist with identifying process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and productivity
• Build effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and management across departments
• Participate in operational meetings, training programs, and special projects
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience considered
• Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Ability to learn company inventory, warehouse, and transportation management systems
• Willingness to participate in hands-on assignments and work alongside employees across all levels of the organization
• Ability to manage competing priorities, take initiative, and adapt to changing operational needs
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to travel to other company locations as needed

Physical Demands:

• Regular standing, walking, and movement throughout warehouse, loading dock, and office environments
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching during hands-on operational assignments
• Occasional lifting and carrying of beverage cases and warehouse materials weighing up to 50 lbs
• Occasional pushing and pulling of products or materials using approved material-handling equipment
• Regular use of computers, telephones, and other office equipment
• Exposure to varying temperatures, warehouse noise, moving equipment, and active loading dock environments
• Ability to work across multiple operational areas and shifts during rotational assignments
• Occasional travel to other company locations as business needs require
• This description is not intended to create a written or implied contract and maybe modified by the company at its discretion. Additionally, no verbal agreements made by a supervisor or other company representative are considered binding. Employment with the company is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the company at any time, with or without cause or notice.

The Sheehan Family Companies are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe in an inclusive culture that provides mutual respect with salary advancement based on merit and individual performance. Sheehan Family Companies is committed to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against any protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

• In applying for this job and providing your phone number, you are authorizing the Sheehan Family Companies to contact you via text message for recruiting purposes. You may opt out of text messaging at any time.

TJ Sheehan is a proud Anheuser-Busch distributor offering an unmatched product portfolio of domestic, import and craft beers, ciders, artisanal wines, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and more to our customers across Central and Western New York.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.