Packaging Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

This position is responsible for managing and supporting bottling, canning and kegging operations and kegging beer at the Windsor location.

• Provide daily leadership and oversight of the packaging department, including direct supervision of packaging supervisors
• Actively participate in floor operations to support team workflow, troubleshoot issues, and model best practices
• Manage all bottling, canning, and kegging line operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and high-quality output
• Ensure the packaging team consistently meets production goals while maintaining low Total Packaged Oxygen (TPO) and high product quality
• Coordinate packaging schedules with the Production Manager and Director of Brewery Operations (Head Brewer and Lab Manager) based on production needs.
• Establish and maintain SOPs and preventive maintenance schedules for all packaging equipment
• Manage spare parts inventory and oversee equipment reliability and maintenance in collaboration with the Maintenance Manager
• Maintain strong communication and collaboration with lab/QA staff regarding packaging-related protocols and standards
• Monitor key packaging metrics (e.g., yields, losses, TPO) and identify process improvements
• Lead performance management of packaging staff, including coaching, development, and evaluations
• Respond to packaging-related communications in a timely and professional manner
• Manage packaging vendor relationships, including procurement of consumables, equipment maintenance contracts, and evaluation of new systems or upgrades
• Attend weekly production planning meetings and contribute to long-term operational planning
• Operate a forklift safely and ensure team compliance with safe forklift practices
• Support company events, special projects, and cross-department initiatives as needed
• All other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises the Packaging Leads. Oversees the entire packaging department, including regular and temporary workers. Responsible for assisting in the hiring process, training, performance management, and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership and team-building skills with the ability to coach and motivate staff
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills
• Clear and professional communication (written and verbal)
• Ability to manage shifting priorities while maintaining a calm, solution-oriented approach
• Familiarity with packaging line data and metrics; ability to analyze and act on performance trends
• Ability to collaborate with all brewery departments and external vendors
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace

Qualifications

• Experience working in a brewery or beverage production facility
• Familiarity with packaging performance metrics (e.g., yield, TPO) and data tracking systems
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems commonly found on packaging lines
• Proficiency with Outlook, Excel, Word, Google Sheets, SmartSheets

Requirements

• At least five years of experience in a beverage or manufacturing environment – preferably beer operations, with a minimum of two years in a supervisory or people management role.
• Hands-on experience with bottling, canning, and kegging lines
• Prior experience managing packaging and/or equipment vendors
• Experience implementing and/or maintaining SOPs, preventive maintenance schedules, and continuous improvement processes
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, cleanliness, and team success
• Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or extended hours as needed
• High School Diploma/GED
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The Packaging Manager role is performed in a fast-paced production environment and requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods. The position regularly involves lifting and moving materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Work is performed in areas with varying temperatures, humidity, and noise levels, including sustained exposure to loud machinery, as well as wet or slippery floors and strong odors associated with brewing. The role involves operating and working near moving mechanical parts and pressurized systems, and requires adherence to all safety protocols and PPE requirements, including hearing protection when necessary. Schedule flexibility is essential, as nights and weekends may be required from time to time to meet production demands.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Generous employee discount