2026 NextGen Operations Program | Bolingbrook, IL

What You Need To Know

Shape a remarkable future with us. Build a career working for an industry leader that truly invests in their people – and equips them with leading technology, continuous learning, and the ability to bring their best selves to work. As the premier wine and spirits distributor, Southern Glazer’s isn't just one of Forbes’ Top Private Companies; it's a family-owned business with deep roots dating back to 1933.

The reputation of Southern Glazer’s is well-established, and it's no surprise that we are regularly recognized for our culture. Southern Glazer’s has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion and Diversity, as well as for Women and Parents and Families. These accolades speak volumes about our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive culture of belonging for all employees.

As a full-time employee, you can choose from a wide-ranging menu of our Top Shelf Benefits, including comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage, dental and vision plans, tax-saving Flexible Spending Accounts, disability coverage, life insurance plans, and a 401(k) plan. We also offer tuition assistance, a wellness program, parental leave, vacation accrual, paid sick leave, and more.

By joining Southern Glazer’s, you would be part of a team that values excellence, innovation, and community. This is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to build the future of beverage distribution and grow with a company that truly cares about its people.

Southern Glazer’s offers a competitive compensation package with expected first year total earnings of $80000 / year including bonus. In determining a final offer, the company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills and experience and will make an offer appropriately.

Overview

About the Program

The Next Gen Operations Program (NGOP) is a structured rotational program designed to develop the next generation of operational leaders within the largest wine and spirits distributor in the U.S.

Associates gain hands-on experience in Logistics, Warehousing, and Distribution , building a strong foundation in warehouse operations while developing leadership skills that prepare them for long-term careers in management.

Throughout the program, you’ll rotate through core operational functions in the warehouse, gain national exposure, and work closely with mentors and senior leaders. The program blends real-world experience, classroom-style learning, and project-based development to ensure you graduate with the skills to step into a supervisory role within the warehouse.

What to Expect from the Program

• Rotate through Outbound, Inbound, Logistics and Inventory Control — the core engines of our operations.
• Take on real leadership responsibilities , working side-by-side with frontline teams and supporting supervisors.
• Gain exposure to advanced technology, large-scale distribution, and industry-leading best practices.
• Exposure to meeting with senior leaders, and build a national peer network.
• Complete a Capstone Project at the end of the program, presenting your impact and insights directly to SGWS executives.

• National networking with peers and leaders
• Mentorship program and 1:1 developmental coaching
• Training opportunities including Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and leadership developmental programs
• “Day in the Life” experiences like ride-alongs with drivers and field sales consultants
• Monthly cohort calls and guest speaker sessions

Graduates of the program step directly into warehouse supervisory roles with opportunities to fast track your career advancing into leadership management across our national network.

Primary Responsibilities

• Rotate across core functions, taking on leadership assignments and projects
• Lead and manage operational improvement projects with measurable results
• Support supervisors in day-to-day operations and motivate frontline employees
• Analyze processes and identify efficiency, safety, and engagement opportunities
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leaders

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be graduating with Bachelor’s degree or Associates degree (December 2025 or May 2026 graduates)

  • Preferred degrees: Business Administration/ Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, Operations Management, or related field preferred)
  • Strong leadership potential and ability to connect with and motivate diverse teams
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Requires overnight work during the 3-month outbound rotation
  • Willingness to relocate after program completion or travel as business needs require
  • Adaptability and resilience to succeed in a fast-paced warehouse environment

  • Must be at least 21 years of age at the start of the program

  Preferred Qualifications
  • Internship or work experience in logistics, supply chain, or warehousing
  • Leadership experience through sports, student organizations, community involvement, military service, or past employment
  • Comfort with data, analytics, and technology

Physical Demands

• Physical demands include a considerable amount of time walking, bending, reaching, standing, squatting, and stooping

• Additional hours may be required during October, November, and December and other peak periods

• May require working at heights of 8 feet or greater

• May require lifting/lowering, pushing, carrying, or pulling up to 56lb

EEO Statement

Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, an Affirmative Action/EEO employer, prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. SGWS complies with all federal, state and local laws concerning consideration of a qualified applicant's arrest and/or criminal conviction records. Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits provides competitive compensation based on estimated performance level consistent with the past relevant experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education of employees. Unless otherwise expressly stated, any pay ranges posted here are estimates from outside of Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and do not reflect Southern Glazer's pay bands or ranges.

If you have any questions or concerns about whether this posting complies/adheres with local pay transparency requirements, please contact the SGWS talent acquisition team at [email protected]

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