BACKGROUND

ODARA a Grupo Cargo Company is a premium functional beverage brand launching in Houston Texas in 2027. Our products are lightly carbonated, mineral-rich, and designed for clean hydration, performance, and wellness. We are building a modern, athletic, wellness-driven brand with a strong sporty aesthetic and a focus on high-quality ingredients and manufacturing excellence.

We are now looking for an experienced Director of Operations to guide our production, supply chain, and go-to-market readiness.

ROLE REVIEW

The Director of Operations will be responsible for building ODARA’s operational foundation: covering supply chain, production planning, quality control, co-packer management, regulatory compliance, and operational scalability.

This role is ideal for someone with significant CPG/beverage experience who has helped brands launch, scale, or operate efficiently in their first years. The position will start part-time or advisory and can evolve into a full-time leadership role as we grow.

RESPONSABILITIES

Production & Manufacturing

• Lead the operational setup for ODARA’s first production runs (2 SKUs).
• Work directly with co-packers to negotiate MOQs, pricing, schedules, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with formulation labs to ensure production feasibility and ingredient sourcing.
• Oversee line trials, batching processes, carbonation levels, pH targets, and product consistency.

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Build and manage the full supply chain (ingredients, cans, ends, cartons, pallets).
• Select and supervise suppliers, freight providers, and warehousing/3PL partners.
• Create efficient systems for demand planning, forecasting, and inventory management.

Quality & Compliance

• Oversee QA/QC protocols, COAs, shelf-life testing, and product stability.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, food safety standards, and labeling rules.
• Establish SOPs for manufacturing, recalls, sanitation, and documentation.

Operational Strategy

• Build scalable systems for growth from 100K+ units to 1M+.
• Create operational budgets, cost-per-unit models, and margin improvement plans.
• Assist with operational due diligence for investors and retail partners.
• Identify risks and implement strategies to reduce cost, waste, and operational failures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 7–15 years of experience in CPG operations (beverages strongly preferred).
• Experience working with co-packers and managing production runs.
• Strong understanding of supply chain design, forecasting, and cost modeling.
• Familiarity with food/beverage regulatory requirements (FDA, QA/QC, COAs).
• Proven track record launching or scaling a beverage or functional CPG product.
• Ability to thrive in an early-stage, fast-moving startup environment.

Preferred

• Experience in sparkling water, functional beverages, kombucha, energy drinks, or wellness CPG.
• Networks with ingredient suppliers, packaging manufacturers, and co-packers.
• Previous role as Director of Operations, VP Ops, COO, Head of Supply Chain, or equivalent.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Opportunity to build a beverage brand from the ground up.
• Flexible structure Hybrid
• Equity participation for experienced operators.
• Direct collaboration with the founder on brand-building, product development, and go-to-market.
• A creative, ambitious brand vision blending wellness, fashion, and performance.