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

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.