Operations Manager

Since 1912, Phillips Distilling Company (PDC) has been producing high-quality spirits and popular brands. As one of America's oldest family-owned spirits companies, we pride ourselves on our independent spirit and our commitment to innovation, quality, and community. Phillips Distilling Company is currently inviting candidates to apply for a full-time Operations Manager opportunity. The candidate selected for this role will enjoy competitive compensation, annual bonus potential, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package!

Classification: ExemptDepartment: Production ManagementReports To: Director of Plant Operations

Summary:The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all operations activities, with direct accountability for key areas such as production, and other functions as assigned. This role serves as a key operational leader, ensuring that safety, quality, and performance targets are achieved by optimizing staffing, training and development, inventory management, sanitation practices, and equipment reliability. The Operations Manager also plays a critical role in driving operational excellence and fostering cross-functional collaboration to meet business objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in frontline leadership responsibilities to build trust, deepen operational knowledge, and ensure alignment with team leadership.
• Lead daily operations for assigned departments, ensuring alignment with production schedules, safety standards, quality expectations, and efficiency goals.
• Provide strong leadership, coaching, and direction to frontline supervisors and hourly team members, ensuring effective staffing, workflow execution, and accountability.
• Foster a high-performance culture through regular feedback, recognition, coaching, and formal performance reviews.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term goals that support company objectives and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor and analyze daily efficiency reports and operational KPIs to identify trends, resolve issues, and drive improvements.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of required operational reporting, including downtime logs, batch reporting, and shift handoff summaries.
• Partner with the Shift Supervisor and Shift Manager to ensure seamless shift transitions and strong communication across teams.
• Collaborate with scheduling and planning teams to optimize production schedules and workforce planning.
• Support the development and execution of annual operating budgets in partnership with the Director of Operations; review key financial and operational metrics to ensure alignment with company goals.
• Promote cost control, resource efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives, including lean manufacturing and process improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Maintenance to support equipment reliability through timely repairs and preventive maintenance of production and bottle blowing equipment.
• Work closely with Safety and Quality to ensure a clean, safe, and compliant environment in accordance with OSHA regulations, company policies, internal procedures, GMPs, and sanitation standards.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety by promoting best practices, conducting audits, and leading incident investigations as needed.
• Make hiring, disciplinary, and performance-related decisions in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Administer company policies consistently, fairly, and in alignment with company values.
• Partner with HR on employee relations, development planning, and training initiatives.
• Stay informed on industry trends, technologies, and best practices, and apply them to improve processes and performance.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Additional Functions:

• Living and abiding by the Phillips Way and the company's core values: Communication & Collaboration, Dignity & Respect, Accountability, Customer Service and Community.

Required Competencies:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams, foster accountability, and build positive relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Approachability that encourages open communication and collaboration with team members at all levels.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing principles, processes, and technologies, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in manufacturing software systems, such as ERP systems and data analytics tools, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices, ensuring compliance with industry standards and quality management systems, such as GFSI certifications.
• Adaptability and composure under pressure, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment, including a minimum of 3 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing high-performing teams, with a strong focus on operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and performance metrics
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Previous experience working in a complex, highly regulated industry such as Food and Beverage. Experience in high-speed bottling is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities:Provides leadership and direction to key operation teams and support staff.

Work Location & Travel Required:This position works on-site reporting to the Princeton location. Some travel may be required < 10%

Work Environment & Physical Demands:Work is performed in a manufacturing setting (office and production floor). Must be able to tolerate working in a noisy environment while utilizing proper PPE. This position requires regular standing on hard surfaces for extended periods and walking throughout the facility. The ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time and the dexterity to frequently type on a keyboard is also required.

Other Considerations:The intent of this job description is not to state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties that will be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Phillips Distilling Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We consider all qualified individuals for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, among other factors.

Starting Pay Range:95,000 - 115,000 Annually

Where a candidate falls within the pay range will vary based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, education, skills and experience.

Benefits Overview:PDC offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision plans to meet individual/family needs.
• Financial Well-being: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs).
• Income Protection: Employer-paid life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Includes 9 paid holidays, annual PTO accrual, bereavement leave, and parental leave.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Options for supplemental life insurance, critical illness, and accident insurance.
• Wellness Program: Incentives and resources to support physical and mental well-being.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential access to counseling, financial & legal planning, estate planning, wellness resources, and more to support employees and their families.
• Bonus Potential: Annual bonus opportunities based on individual and/or company performance.

This summary provides a general overview of available benefits. Specific details, including eligibility criteria and plan options, will be provided during the recruitment/onboarding process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.