Beverage Production & Distribution Operations Manager

The Beverage Production & Distribution Operations Manager is a dual-focus leadership role responsible for the entire lifecycle of the product-from the raw material intake at the factory to the final delivery at the retail outlet or warehouse.

This role requires a unique blend of manufacturing precision and logistics agility, ensuring that production schedules align perfectly with market demand and distribution capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Strategy & Oversight

• Master Production Scheduling (MPS): Coordinate with sales forecasts to create weekly and monthly production plans that optimize machine utilization.

• Cost Management: Monitor and reduce Cost per Case by improving line efficiency and negotiating with ingredient/packaging suppliers.

• Compliance & Quality: Maintain rigorous standards for food safety (HACCP, ISO) and workplace safety (OSHA), ensuring the facility is always audit-ready.

2. Supply Chain & Distribution Logistics

• Warehouse Management: Oversee inventory levels of raw materials (concentrates, glass, aluminum) and finished goods to prevent stockouts or overstocking.

• Fleet & Route Optimization: Manage in-house or 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) delivery teams, optimizing routes to reduce fuel costs and improve On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) delivery rates.

• Cold Chain Integrity: For fresh or functional beverages, ensure strict temperature controls are maintained from the production cooler to the delivery truck.

3. Team Leadership & Business Growth

• P&L Responsibility: Manage the operational budget, including labor costs, maintenance Capex, and distribution overheads.

• Continuous Improvement: Lead Lean or Six Sigma initiatives to eliminate bottlenecks in both the bottling hall and the loading dock.

• Stakeholder Management: Act as the bridge between the production floor, the sales team, and external retail partners (e.g., supermarkets and distributors).

Core Competencies & Qualifications

Requirement

Description

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, or Engineering.

Experience

7-10 years in beverage/FMCG operations, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.

Tech Stack

Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics) and Route Accounting Software.

Expertise

Deep knowledge of beverage-specific tech: HPP, carbonation systems, or aseptic filling.

What Success Looks Like

• OEE Excellence: Maintaining high Overall Equipment Effectiveness while keeping scrap/waste below 2%.

• Distribution Efficiency: Reducing the lead time from order placement to doorstep delivery.

• Inventory Accuracy: Achieving 99%+ accuracy in warehouse cycle counts.