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 Glazers isnt just one of Forbes Top Private Companies; its a family-owned business with deep roots dating back to 1933.

The reputation of Southern Glazers is well-established and its no surprise that we are regularly recognized for our culture. Southern Glazers has been recognized by Newsweek as one of Americas 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 Glazers you would be part of a team that values excellence innovation and community. This is more than just a job its an opportunity to build the future of beverage distribution and grow with a company that truly cares about its people.

Southern Glazers offers a competitive compensation package with expected first year total earnings of $80000 / year including determining a final offer the company will evaluate a specific candidates 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 youll 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 Bachelors 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 Glazers 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 applicants arrest and/or criminal conviction records. Southern Glazers 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 Glazers Wine and Spirits and do not reflect Southern Glazers 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