Director, Supply Chain Operations

Position: Director, Supply Chain Operations

Location: Head Office (Rogers Arena)

Job Type: Temporary full-time

Term: 14 months (approx. June 2025 - July 2026)

COMPANY PROFILE:

Aquilini Group ("AG") is a diversified family business founded in Vancouver, BC more than 50 years ago with roots in the real estate development and construction industry. Today the company owns and manages an international real estate portfolio that includes commercial and residential properties, hotels, golf courses, vineyards and blueberry and cranberry farms. In addition to its ongoing pursuits in real estate development and construction, AG has expanded its holdings to include assets in the sports & entertainment, renewable energy, aquaculture, tourist attractions, restaurants, and food & beverage industries.

Aquilini Beverage Group ("ABG"), a division of AG, is a leading North American beverage producer with a portfolio of wine brands, ready-to-drink beverages and an innovation lab dedicated to the research and development of new and unique products. ABG is growing at a record pace and always looking for new ways to captivate consumers with compelling beverage concepts, including our category-changing ready-to-drink beverages, a portfolio of successful wine brands primarily from Washington State, and spirits.

SUMMARY:

ABG is seeking a Director, Supply Chain Operations for a Maternity Leave contract to lead the manufacturing and distribution of alcoholic refreshment beverages, spirits, and wine. This high achieving professional will have a passion for success, understand the importance of accountability, and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.

This position is a temporary full-time maternity leave coverage position for approximately 14 months from June 2025 to July 2026.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(other duties may be assigned, as required)

• Responsible for contract manufacturing network for ready-to-drink beverages and the wine business in Canada and the US
• Responsible for production and planning for the RTD and wine businesses
• Oversee Regional US distributor logistics process for entire beverage alcohol business in the USA
• Collaborate with Finance, QA, Regulatory Compliance, Sales to formulate strategies to build new brands, grow the business and manage daily production operations
• Manage production with contract partners: production management, demand planning/forecasting and finished goods inventory management/optimization
• Manage logistics: locating and optimizing freight lanes, warehouse providers and negotiation of contracts
• Manage suppliers ensuring fulfillment of order in accordance with the terms of sales
• Support the Vineyards Team for their Logistics needs from August to October
• Identify loss and reclaim costs (if any)
• Assist in the procurement of packaging innovations and sourcing new ingredients
• Provide annual forecast and three-month rolling forecast for Finished Goods and materials to suppliers
• Establish annual Operations budgets and explain monthly variances
• Work on the continued development of existing ERP/MRP software and suggest areas for improvement as the business grows
• Maintain Item Master (lead times, min/max orders, multiples, safety stock, etc.) in the ERP/MRP software
• Maintain Products Bills of Materials and Master Bottling Schedule
• Conduct operations related analyses: COGs, materials inventories, finished goods/safety stock, production forecasting accuracy, manufacturing capacity constraints, etc.
• Liaise between Creative and Vendor for artwork submission
• Assist in packaging innovations scale-ups for new product launches
• Assist in sourcing and setting up new contract manufacturing partners in Canada, USA and potentially overseas
• Conduct copacker GMP and process improvement audits
• Conduct RFPs to ensure the best costing and secure supply chain

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 to 10 years of proven experience in an operations leadership or similar role
• Solid experience in consumer-packaged goods manufacturing, preferably alcoholic beverages in Canada and USA
• Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management or Association for Supply Chain Management / Supply Chain Canada Association designation(s)
• Experience with leading a team
• Excellent organizational, analytical and leadership abilities
• Effective, tactful, and persuasive communication skills
• Strong knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics
• Proven self-starter with ability to handle conflicting deadlines and prioritize as needed
• Strong problem solving, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Strong ability to present concisely in written and oral communication
• Superior attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficient with MS Office and comfortable using various business software (e.g. ERP)

What We Offer:

At Aquilini, we believe in the importance of a Total Compensation package by ensuring our mix of salary, benefits, and perks are competitive within the market, while also offering a work-life balance.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision Care, Life Insurance, and AD&D coverage. In addition, you'll have opportunities for access to Rogers Arena events, an on-site gym, parking, select discounts, professional growth and development options, fun staff events throughout the year,and a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can make a tangible impact.