Packaging Manager

Job Overview:

An Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturer is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Packaging Manager to oversee daily packaging operations with a strong focus on safety, quality, and team development. This role plays a critical part in ensuring our finished products meet the highest standards by managing labor scheduling, equipment maintenance, and inventory planning, while driving operational efficiency through data analysis and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Director of Production, the Packaging Manager will lead and develop the packaging team, coordinate with cross-functional departments, and uphold the company’s commitment to excellence, safety, and innovation in every can and bottle we produce.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily packaging operations, ensuring adherence to SOPs & Participate in packaging runs as needed
• Help develop proper SOPs in all aspects of packaging production
• Efficiently packaging beer in all formats (primarily cans, but also kegs and bottles)
• Conduct/maintain keg cleaning operations
• Attention to detail in all aspects of work
• Running CIP cycles on brite beer tanks
• Cleaning any and all exterior surfaces in the brewery (outsides of tanks, kegs, canning line, etc)
• Coordinate preventative maintenance and manage the spare parts inventory for all packaging equipment in conjunction with the Maintenance Team and the Director of Production.
• Oversee the packaging materials inventory, including managing procurement and conducting monthly physical inventory counts.
• Work with the Quality department to maintain finished goods standards and ensure strict adherence to all food safety and sanitation protocols.
• Occasionally assisting with shipping and receiving work (using a forklift or pallet jack, organizing loading bay, warehousing raw materials)
• Occasionally assisting all Production team members in their roles 
• Streamline operations by coordinating closely with the brewing, cellaring, and warehouse departments to ensure continuous product flow and minimize production downtime.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by analyzing production and downtime data to identify trends, implement process improvements, and enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and material utilization.
• Participating in team- and company-wide meetings
• Adhering to all safety protocols set in place by the company

Core Competencies and Skills:

• Quality & Process Focus: Solid understanding of quality control standards and production parameters, with strong attention to detail and excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Proficient in basic mechanical and electrical systems, with the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues as needed.
• Communication & Teamwork: Clear and effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Adaptability: Enthusiastic and adaptable to working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving production environment.
• Physical Demands: Physically capable of standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working efficiently in a high-traffic, compact workspace.
• Safety Commitment: Committed to maintaining a safe work environment, including proper handling of hazardous chemicals in strict accordance with all safety protocols.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in beverage packaging operations.
• Proven management experience, including leading a team of 3 or more for a minimum of 1 year.
• In-depth technical expertise with canning, bottling, and kegging machinery (e.g., Cody, Wild Goose, or comparable systems).
• Experience operating forklifts and other power equipment.
• Experience with maintaining brewery or comparable food manufacturing equipment