Plant Manager

Position Overview: The Plant Manager is the senior member of our Operations Leadership Team, establishing and driving business objectives and continuous improvement activities. The position is responsible for overseeing all plant operations within the San Leandro facility. Areas of focus include the oversight of the brewing/batching team, logistics, packaging, warehouse, and maintenance departments to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met or exceeded. The job is hands-on, roll-your-sleeves-up while troubleshooting equipment, directing projects and collaborating with employees, and requires a 24/7/365 responsibility for safety, quality, productivity, sanitation and financial performance of production and supply chain operations. This role requires strong leadership abilities, technical expertise in beverage production, and a strategic mindset to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations Management: Lead day-to-day operations of the plant, including direct oversight and/or involvement with equipment maintenance, brewing/batching, packaging, engineering, planning, procurement, quality, safety and logistics along with a strong connection to both finance and human resources.
• Capex Projects: Manage and commission capital investment projects and equipment installation. Collect bids and source equipment and contractors required for each project, using sound fiscal and technical skills.
• Production Planning: Monitor production plans, inventories, and schedules & coordinate production activities to meet those schedules.
• Team Management: Supervise and mentor production staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning. Coach workforce through troubleshooting and monitoring of operating processes and equipment.
• Standard Operating Procedures: Work with management in the development of procedures, policies and budgets. Establish specific short-term and long-term performance improvement plans, together with supporting budget requests and financial estimates including capital expenditures and cost management.

• Key Performance Indicators: Design and/or maintain systems and metrics for brewery performance management.
• Preventive Maintenance: Work with Maintenance Manager n to ensure the production area and facility as a whole receives maintenance service in a timely manner to ensure high equipment availability and performance. 
• Quality Assurance: Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures to uphold product standards and regulatory compliance.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure a safe working environment by enforcing safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Cost Management: Optimize production processes to minimize waste, reduce costs, and maximize efficiency.
• Customer Relations: Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to understand production requirements and deliver exceptional service.
• Continuous Improvement: Foster an environment of continuous improvement. Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead initiatives to enhance productivity and quality.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in a managerial role within a manufacturing or beverage production environment, preferably in co-packing or brewery operations.
• Strong technical knowledge of production processes, packaging technologies, and quality assurance principles. Experience with high-speed packaging lines desired.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and technical, analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively resolve production, engineering, packaging, quality, and employee performance issues.
• Knowledge of electrical, fluid dynamics, systems programming, welding, boiler operation, plant management, and construction. 
• Business acumen toward strategic planning, establishing budgets, ensuring accountability for cost, quality, productivity, service, safety (people and products). Able to read and react to financial reports including P&Ls.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of implementing process improvements and achieving operational excellence.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and other relevant software applications.