Virginia Beach Lead Packaging Operator

Lead Packaging Operator – Virginia Beach

Are you an experienced Lead Packaging Operator with a passion for craft beer and a talent for driving operational excellence? New Realm Brewing Company in Virginia Beach is looking for you! We're seeking a hands-on shift leader to oversee our packaging operations, ensuring every can, bottle, and keg meets our rigorous quality standards while maintaining maximum efficiency on the line.

New Realm Brewing Company is an award-winning craft brewery founded in 2017. We're dedicated to pushing the boundaries of beer, offering a diverse range of high-quality, innovative brews from hop-forward IPAs to classic clean lagers. Our Virginia Beach location combines a state-of-the-art production brewery with a lively restaurant and expansive outdoor spaces. We're committed to crafting exceptional beers and creating memorable experiences for our community.

What This Role Involves

Reporting to the Packaging Manager, the Lead Packaging Operator is the shift leader on the packaging floor, accountable for the coordination and execution of all packaging operations. You'll work side-by-side with our brewing, cellar, warehouse, maintenance, and quality teams, collaborating across departments to ensure our beer is packaged on-time, on-cost, and in-spec. You will be in a front-line lead position, proficient in all packaging line operations including high-speed canning, bottling, and kegging. You will work closely with our Packaging Manager and oversee 3-4 Packaging Operators on shift, fostering a culture of precision, safety, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate and execute daily packaging operations according to SOPs and detailed production schedules, including canning, bottling, and kegging lines.
• Oversee line startup, changeovers, and shutdowns while ensuring optimal run speeds and minimal downtime.
• Perform and document quality control checks including dissolved oxygen (DO) testing, seam inspections, fill-level verification, date code accuracy, and package integrity.
• Coordinate with brewing and cellar teams to ensure timely availability of bright beer and proper tank transfers to meet production targets.
• Troubleshoot packaging equipment issues (filler, seamer, labeler, depalletizer, conveyance) and make real-time adjustments to maintain efficiency.
• Monitor and track packaging materials inventory (cans, bottles, carriers, trays, wrap) and conduct regular cycle counts.
• Provide hands-on training and mentorship to Packaging Operators, developing technical skills and quality awareness.
• Cross-train team members on all packaging lines to ensure operational flexibility and coverage during absences.
• Maintain stringent housekeeping standards and ensure compliance with safety protocols, cGMP, and food safety programs (HACCP).
• Identify maintenance needs and coordinate priorities with maintenance staff; perform routine preventive maintenance tasks.
• Collaborate with Warehouse on finished goods palletization, storage, and shipment preparation.
• Participate in daily cross-department scrums, communicating line status, beer availability, and quality metrics.
• Identify and document process improvements, revise SOPs as needed, and report non-conformities to leadership and quality teams.
• Foster a culture of respect, accountability, and unwavering attention to detail.

Who We're Looking For

• 5 or more years of proven leadership experience in packaging operations within a brewery, beverage, or food manufacturing environment.
• Technical expertise with high-speed packaging equipment (Wild Goose, Cask, Krones, KHS, or similar canning/bottling lines) in a high-volume production environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems on packaging lines.
• Experience with cGMP, HACCP, and Food Safety Programs; knowledge of quality control methodologies specific to beverage packaging.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems (Ekos, Orchestrated, SAP, etc.) for production tracking and inventory management.
• Familiarity with Dissolved Oxygen (DO) testing, seam inspection, and other packaging quality metrics.
• Strong coaching skills with a genuine passion for people development and team building.
• Forklift certified; ability to lift 55 lbs repeatedly, work in temperature extremes, and stand for extended periods.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A calm, flexible, and solution-focused mindset with unwavering commitment to safety and quality.

What We Offer

• A leadership role at the heart of one of Virginia's largest independent craft breweries.
• Competitive compensation benchmarked against nationwide industry standards.
• The opportunity to shape a high-performing packaging team and build robust operational systems.
• Full benefit package including health/vision/dental benefits, sick leave, PTO accrual, and paid holidays.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment where your technical expertise and leadership are highly valued.
• A chance to grow alongside an ambitious company with a strong long-term vision.

Do you want to be part of our team? If you're an experienced Lead Packaging Operator who values precision, strong leadership, and world-class craft beer, and you're excited to help build the future of packaging at New Realm Brewing Company in Virginia Beach, we'd love to hear from you.