Operations Manager

Location: 30 Gauthier Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452

Shift & Schedule: This is a full-time position on our D2 shift, working 6:00 AM – 6:15 PM, Friday–Sunday, with alternating Thursdays. Flexibility to provide additional coverage outside of scheduled hours, including weekends and holidays, may be required as needed.

The Production Manager is responsible for driving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity within a high-speed, high-volume manufacturing environment. This role leads and coordinates production activities across shifts, providing direction and support to Production Supervisors and teams while partnering closely with Maintenance, Quality, Planning, and Warehousing to achieve operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Foster a proactive safety culture with a goal of zero incidents; ensure completion of all safety training and programs

• Lead daily production operations to meet schedule, service, and performance targets

• Ensure compliance with quality standards, food safety requirements, and product specifications

• Drive continuous improvement through standardized work, process discipline, and adherence to 5S and safety standards

• Develop and advance TPM initiatives in alignment with company playbooks

• Optimize staffing models and build a flexible, cross-trained workforce

• Promote employee engagement and team morale in alignment with company values

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean and Kaizen events, to meet or exceed OEE targets

• Communicate goals, enforce policies, coach team members, and manage employee relations

• Build organizational strength through development and succession planning of direct reports

Leadership Expectations

• Create a culture of trust, inclusion, and employee wellbeing

• Drive clear goals and accountability through consistent communication and performance management

• Encourage diverse perspectives to support innovation and continuous learning

• Maintain a safe, engaging environment where employees are aligned and empowered

Key Performance Metrics

• Safety: Recordable rate, near misses

• Quality: Yield %, quality holds, waste reduction

• Delivery: Equipment performance, reduction in unplanned downtime

• Productivity: Cases per labor hour, OEE

• Growth

• Targeted annual compensation range of $100,000-130,000
• This is a salaried, exempt position paid biweekly. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. 

Benefits (Effective Day One, Where Applicable):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Disability Coverage

• Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick leave)

• 401(k) with company match

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; technical degrees (Engineering/Technology) strongly preferred (relevant experience considered in lieu of degree)

• 3+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment

• Experience with Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools (5S, Autonomous Maintenance, Poka-Yoke, Visual Factory, etc.)

• Strong computer skills, including Excel and PowerPoint; ability to interpret basic statistical data

• Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently

• Strong time management and organizational skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. We operate with a differentiated business model and world-class brand portfolio, powered by a talented and engaged team that is anchored in our values. We work with big, exciting beverage brands and the #1 single-serve coffee brewing system in North America at KDP, and we have fun doing it!

Together, we have built a leading beverage company in North America offering hot and cold beverages together at scale. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation, and growth. Will you join us?

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team of ~29,000 employees to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure: 
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.  AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.  If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to kdpjobs@kdrp.com in lieu of clicking Apply. Please include the job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in order for your email application to be considered.