Job Details

Beverage Production Manager

Location: [Desert Hot Springs, CA] (Manufacturing Facility)

Company: Pabst Labs

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Director of Operations

Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 (depending on experience) + benefits

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Beverage Production Manager to oversee the daily operations of our production facility. In this critical role, you will lead a team of production and maintenance staff to ensure efficient manufacturing of high-quality cannabis‑infused beverages, including soft drinks, juices, RTD teas, or similar products.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep knowledge of food and beverage production processes, quality standards, and safety regulations. You will drive operational excellence, optimize production efficiency, and contribute to scaling our production capacity while maintaining product integrity and cost control. You should be comfortable working in a rapidly evolving segment of the beverage industry, able to adapt quickly to changing regulations and market demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Oversight: Plan, schedule, and supervise all production activities to meet daily, weekly, and monthly targets. Monitor production lines for efficiency, output, and quality.
• Team Leadership: Manage, train, and develop a team of 50+ production associates, including hiring, performance evaluations, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Quality Assurance: Implement and enforce HACCP, CDPH, DCC, and SQF standards to ensure product safety, consistency, and compliance. Conduct regular audits and troubleshoot quality issues.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for process improvements, equipment upgrades, and cost reductions using lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Oversee raw material inventory, coordinate with suppliers, and minimize waste through precise forecasting and just‑in‑time practices.
• Maintenance & Safety: Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability. Champion workplace safety protocols, conduct risk assessments, and maintain OSHA compliance.
• Reporting & Analytics: Prepare production reports, analyze KPIs (e.g., OEE, yield, downtime), and present data‑driven insights to senior leadership.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay current with industry regulations, perform mock recalls, and lead responses to audits or inspections.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive innovation in packaging, formulations, and sustainable practices to support company growth objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in beverage production management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Proven track record in high‑volume manufacturing environments (e.g., bottling lines, canning, aseptic processing).
• Strong knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, DCC regulations, and food safety standards.
• Proficiency in production software (e.g., ERP systems like SAP or Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred

• Lean Manufacturing certifications (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP).
• Experience with canning lines (specifically Wild Goose equipment), sleeving systems, or emulsification processes.
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging or cannabis beverage production.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills; ability to motivate teams.
• Analytical mindset for problem‑solving and data interpretation.
• Hands‑on approach to troubleshooting production issues.
• Strong organizational skills to handle fast‑paced, 24/7 operations (including rotating shifts and on‑call availability).
• Commitment to safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A collaborative, innovative culture within a growing beverage company.