Craft Brewery Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Production Manager
Location: Oceanside, CA (On-site)
Compensation: $80,000 - $90,000 plus annually (DOE) + Benefits
Company: Independent beer and beverage manufacturer with expanding co-pack operations

About Us

We are a growing beer and beverage manufacturer based in Oceanside, California producing ~40,000 BBL annually with planned contract/co-packing. Current production includes beer, RTD’s, Seltzers and minimal NA beverages in cans, bottles, and draft formats. We are investing in systems, structure, and certifications to support continued growth.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Production Manager to lead our production, packaging, and facility-level quality programs as we scale. This role is responsible for production and packaging scheduling/purchasing, developing SOPs, training, compliance, and continuous improvement. Success in this role will result in greater organizational structure, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced quality control across all departments.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Scheduling

• Own production, cellar, and packaging schedules across cans, bottles, draft, and co-pack runs
• Coordinate labor, materials, and changeovers to maximize throughput and minimize downtime
• Purchasing, warehouse, and logistics on material readiness and finished goods movement

Quality & Compliance

• Develop and maintain SOPs across brewing, cellar, packaging, and QC functions
• Build and maintain training programs for canning, bottling, brewing, and cellar operations
• Lead and administer CAPA (Corrective Action Preventative Action) programs
• Ensure adherence to HACCP, GMP, and other facility-level certifications/standards
• Ensure QC documentation, traceability, and internal audit functions
• Oversee package quality metrics including DO, CO2, Seams, fill weights, sensory, and shelf checks

Operational Leadership

• Lead canning, bottling, and production floor teams in daily operations
• Drive operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and downtime reduction initiatives
• Promote and enforce cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards across the facility
• Collaborate cross-functionally to solve bottlenecks and reduce waste

Qualifications

Required

• 3–7+ years’ experience in beverage production (beer, RTD, or CPG preferred)
• Experience managing or supervising production and/or packaging teams
• Practical knowledge of HACCP/GMP programs and food/beverage production standards
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Experience with CAPA or equivalent quality systems
• ERP forecasting/production experience (EKOS Brewing software, O-Beer etc.)
• Proficiency in Excel and basic data analysis

Preferred

• Brewery, distillery, co-pack, or beverage CPG background
• Experience developing training programs and SOPs
• Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies (5S, TPM, Lean, etc.)
• Knowledge of sensory programs, DO/CO2 monitoring, tunnel pasteurization, etc.
• Experience supporting customer audits or facility certifications

What We’re Looking For

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Thrives in a fast-growing, operationally complex environment
• Enjoys building structure, systems, and training programs
• Can own production and ensure QC functions 
• Works well on the floor with hands-on teams
• Can equally manage documentation, scheduling, and compliance work
• Wants to help scale a facility from craft-scale to mid-market beverage manufacturing

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 plus DOE
• Health, PTO, and additional benefits available
• Strong growth opportunity as co-pack volume expands

To Apply

Submit résumé and brief cover letter outlining relevant experience.