Director Beverage and Juice Production - State Garden Inc.

About Us

State Garden is an 80+ year old company that makes many of the produce products you eat every day. As one of the region's top-tier food and beverage manufacturers operating an SQF certified facility we are seeing rapid growth. We are expanding our contract manufacturing beverage facility in the Boston, MA area and are building out the team.

About The Role

As the Director of Juice and Beverage Production, you will manage relationships with external manufacturing partners while also overseeing the production of State Garden’s beverage products and bulk juice ingredients sold to other companies. This role is in-person and hands-on, requiring close collaboration with the production team to optimize results. This role will be critical in scaling State Garden’s juice and beverage manufacturing capabilities, ensuring cost efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and driving continuous operational improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Implement manufacturing strategies that align with overall business objectives.
• Evaluate contract manufacturing opportunities alongside the VP of Beverage & Contract Manufacturing to onboard and ensure seamless integration and execution.
• Develop and ensure execution of annual goals and objectives for the beverage and juice production team.
  
  

Operational Oversight

• Oversee juice and beverage production schedules to ensure timely delivery and strict adherence to quality standards as developed by QA team.
• Monitors inventory needs for production; Coordinates with procurement and logistics teams as necessary.
• Executes and monitors quality assurance and control processes to meet industry and regulatory standards.
• Prepares and maintains various production reports and personnel records; May develop or implement production tracking, analyzing production, or other operational reports to detect production problems.
  
  

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.
• Lead initiatives aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing production efficiency.
• Collaborates with continuous improvement team as necessary.
  
  

Team Management

• Direct a team of professionals while fostering collaboration across R&D, supply chain, and quality assurance functions.
• Work alongside production, procurement and logistics teams on a daily basis to ensure on time and in full production.
• Mentor and develop team members, supporting their career growth and promoting operational excellence.
• Hires, trains, evaluates and, or works with other resources to discharge staff or resolve personnel grievances; Acts as a coach, mentor, and trainer to all employees; Produces corrective action/disciplinary action forms or performance improvements plans when needed.
• Coaches, mentors, and guides direct reports to continually develop leadership and foster positive employee relations; Develops expectations and empowers leadership and others to work to their fullest capability.
  
  

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks within contract manufacturing processes and develop robust mitigation strategies.
• Ensure continuous compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Understands and monitors the various aspects of the production process to ensure human and food safety and product integrity; Maintains current knowledge of the quality assurance field; Ensures compliance with human, health, cGMP, and/or food safety and communicates issues with Safety and Quality Assurance departments.
  
  

Reporting And Analytics

• Monitor performance metrics and prepare regular reports for senior management.
• Utilize data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and drive operational improvements.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with external manufacturing partners
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing.
• Maintains strong product and market knowledge.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to multitask.
• Exceptional customer service skills and mindset.
• Ability to analyze situation and develop creative solutions.
• Strong listening and communication kills
• Demonstrated ability to work well within teams.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish metrics, goals and objectives and deliver through engagement of others
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry
• Proficient with MS Office, NetSuite (ERP, MRP) and other related business software
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering/technical degree or equivalent work experience required.
• 5+ years of industry experience preferred.
  
  

Work Environment

The production facility and associated warehousing are refrigerated facilities. The position requires working within these facilities. It also requires prolonged periods of sitting desk or in a conference room, as well as, working on a computer. Ability to lift 35 lbs. on an occasional basis. Occasional travel will be required.

AAP/EEO Statement

State Garden, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Food Safety/Maintenance

All food safety and quality problems must be brought to the attention of someone with authority such as your Supervisor, Quality Technician or Quality Manager to initiate action, if necessary.

All equipment issues must be brought to the attention of someone with authority such as your supervisor or facilities managers to initiate actions, if necessary.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.