Beverage Packaging Lead

Department: Production

Reports to: Packaging Manager

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Beverage Packaging Lead at Uinta is defined as a "player-coach" role and is responsible for the technical execution of our beverage packaging operations. This is a high-speed equipment operating position, and not a box-packing warehouse role. You will lead a dedicated team in transitioning world-class beer from our Brite tanks into its final shelf-ready form—overseeing everything from primary filling (can and keg) to secondary packaging (automated carton-filling and tray packing).

The Lead serves as the technical expert on the floor, ensuring equipment is optimized, quality standards are met, and the team is mentored for success.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Line Command: Lead the daily start-up, daily operations and shut-down protocols for high-speed canning and kegging lines.

Team Supervision: Guide, mentor, and provide "on-the-job" training for Operators and Technicians to ensure daily production targets are met.

Workflow Coordination: Act as the primary point of contact for the Scheduling Team and Packaging Manager, pivoting the team quickly when production needs shift.

Inventory Management: Conduct precise daily counts of raw materials (cans, ends, labels, cartons, cases and finished goods) to ensure efficient production runs with accurate inventory procedures.

Technical Execution & Quality

Machine Expertise: Act as the subject matter expert for all packaging machinery, including the can filler/seamer, de-palletizer, pasteurizer,

secondary packers and keg cleaning/filling.

Troubleshooting: Anticipate mechanical issues and perform real-time adjustments or minor preventative maintenance to minimize downtime. Work with the Maintenance team to address technical issues enabling efficient daily operations.

Quality Assurance: Ensure every can, keg and finished goods package meets Uinta’s Quality and aesthetic standards.

Safety & Sanitation: Oversee a clean, "tour-ready" production floor and manage the safe handling of CIP (Clean-in-Place) chemicals.

Qualifications & Requirements

Age: Must be 21+ years of age

Experience: Previous experience in beverage packaging or high-speed food manufacturing (required).

Technical Savvy: Advanced understanding of pressurized systems and automated production machinery.

Leadership: Proven ability to coach others, give constructive feedback, and lead a team through complex production days without direct supervision.

Licensing: Forklift operation is required. Training and Certification will be provided

Software: Experience with Excel and data entry for production logging.

Physical & Environmental Demands

Active Production: Ability to stand, crouch, and move within a loud, fast-paced manufacturing environment for extended periods.

Strength: Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs and maneuver 150 lbs (kegs) as well as perform repetitive movements.

Conditions: Comfortable working around water, steam, and cleaning chemicals in varying temperatures.

Core Competencies

Mechanical Aptitude: Required for proper machine understanding and maintenance.

Sense of Urgency: You thrive in a "minutes matter" production environment.

Attention to Detail: You observe and take action on any deviations from quality standards before it becomes a batch-ending problem.

Calm Leadership: You demonstrate a composed and steady leadership presence, serving as a stabilizing force while navigating operational challenges with a solution-orientated mindset.