Operations Manager - Target

About Bluebird

We're The Bluebird Group - we're an omnichannel commerce partner that helps brands grow across every retail and digital channel.

We sit at the intersection of retail, eCommerce, media, and data. We help brands show up wherever their customers are (Target, Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, social commerce like TikTok, and beyond) and drive real sales growth.

We're not just strategists - we're a hands-on team of experienced retail operators who execute across everything from retail media and creative to data, insights, and full go-to-market strategy.

The result: we simplify what's become a really complex retail landscape and help brands scale faster and smarter.

Job Summary

We're looking for an Operations Manager to lead a team of Retail Account Managers while managing a portfolio of Target client accounts.

This role combines account management and team leadership, serving as a trusted partner to both clients and internal teams. You'll be responsible for supporting client growth, developing talent, driving operational excellence, and helping ensure consistent execution across the Target business.

The ideal candidate brings strong Target experience, a hands-on approach to account management, and a passion for building high-performing teams. Approximately 50% of the role is dedicated to managing client accounts and 50% is focused on team leadership and development.

This position is based out of our Minneapolis office.

What You'll Do

Account Leadership & Client Support

• Serve as the Retail Account Manager for a portfolio of Target client accounts
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, Target stakeholders, and internal teams
• Partner with clients to support business objectives, retailer initiatives, and account growth
• Provide strategic recommendations and operational support to drive account performance
• Support issue resolution and help navigate complex retailer and operational challenges
• Ensure strong execution across key account initiatives and deliverables

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 6–9 Retail Account Managers
• Support onboarding, training, and professional development activities
• Conduct regular performance conversations, goal setting, and evaluations
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Serve as a resource for team questions, escalations, and problem-solving
• Partner with team members to develop skills, build confidence, and achieve performance goals
• Serve as a point of contact for team member leave and time-off coordination

Operational Excellence

• Drive consistency across workflows, processes, and account management best practices
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, communication, and execution across the team
• Support operational planning and execution for new and existing client programs
• Ensure account teams are equipped with the tools, resources, and information needed for success
• Partner with leadership on initiatives that improve team performance and client outcomes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with sales, operations, supply chain, analytics, and client service teams
• Collaborate with leadership to support business objectives and operational priorities
• Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and employee engagement initiatives
• Communicate updates, priorities, and business needs across stakeholders
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives as business needs evolve

Team Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor team performance and identify opportunities for growth and development
• Establish and track performance goals and key account management metrics
• Share best practices and encourage knowledge sharing across the team
• Help remove obstacles that may impact execution, productivity, or client satisfaction
• Foster a proactive, solution-oriented mindset across the organization

What We're Looking For

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years of experience in account management, client services, retail operations, or related fields
• Experience working with Target on the retailer or supplier side required
• Experience leading, mentoring, or developing team members preferred
• Experience managing multiple client accounts in a fast-paced environment

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of Target's processes, systems, and retail ecosystem
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities
• Ability to manage competing priorities and drive execution across multiple initiatives
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to balance client needs, team development, and operational priorities
• Comfortable working collaboratively across cross-functional teams

Leadership Attributes

• Takes ownership and drives results
• Builds trust with clients, retailer partners, and internal teams
• Leads with accountability, follow-through, and integrity
• Invests in the growth and development of others
• Thrives in a fast-moving, collaborative environment
• Identifies opportunities and acts on them

Our Commitment

We prioritize the inclusion of diverse perspectives. We aspire for all team members to feel like this is a place where they belong. Where they are respected by the company and are empowered to impact the business and achieve their full potential. We understand that relationships built on trust, respect and communication better serve our clients, team members and business.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines typical functions and responsibilities but may evolve based on business needs.