Director Of Sales & Distribution

The Vice President of Operations is a member of the Executive Team and is responsible for the overall leadership and operation of BLK (“BLK” or the “Company”) a brand of innovative and functional beverage products (blk. fulvic mineral water, BANU bamboo water, Hudson Hops water, and Xolo tequila). The Vice President of Operations specific areas of responsibility include, but are not limited, to purchasing, inventory management, order-fulfillment, logistics, shipping, quality control and assurance and efficient and operations maintenance. Significant experience and knowledge of hot-fill, cold-fill, aseptic-fill manufacturing is required. This role is accountable for the development and achievement of monthly, annual, and long-term strategic plans, as well as continuous improvement initiatives related to people / team development, safety, quality, cost, working capital, and general operations management. Additionally, the Vice President of Operations will plan and efficiently manage BLK’s existing manufacturing operations as well as the expansion of BLK’s manufacturing footprint.

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage direct day-to-day operation of manufacturing, production, quality control, and distribution facilities.

- Oversee all decisions related to manufacturing operations, including, but not limited to, quality control, production, packaging beverages, and physical distribution of beverages.

- Responsible for building a continuous improvement culture by championing efficiency ideas, cost reduction measures and changes within areas of responsibility.

- Ensure all manufacturing equipment is operating at safety and production standards.

- Ensure that, as the Company grows, manufacturing capabilities meet or exceed all industry and customer requirements for cost, quality, and responsiveness.

- Maintain effective relationships with all local, state, and regional regulating institutions.

- Lead supply chain for all products and materials.

- In coordination with the Company CFO, forecast and plan appropriate inventory levels.

- Develop and implement strategies, processes, and organizational capacity building programs to drive maximum quality and safety, and to achieve the lowest total delivered costs.

- Prepare and manage departmental budgets, targets, and goals; ensure direct reports have appropriate information and resources needed to be accountable for results.

- Identifies problems and proposes solutions to members of Executive Team.

- Ensures contingency systems / practices / protocols are in place to eliminate business disruption.

- Establishes emergency response or crisis management plans.

- Create organizational bench strength through personal development plans, succession planning, and performance coaching.

- Create and / or enhance strategic relationships with vendors to reduce cost and working capital investment, ensure business continuity, improve quality, and reduce lead times.

- Work closely with the leadership team on manufacturing plans, goals, and future product innovation.

- Complete other duties as assigned.

Required Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or other graduate degree a plus.

- Senior management experience with at least 10 years in manufacturing leadership role and staff management.

- CPG products experience with food and beverage background strongly preferred.

- Comprehensive understanding of key supply chain processes including planning, sourcing, and logistics.

- Ability to proactively manage multiple projects in fast-paced, change-oriented environment.

- Good working knowledge of time study methods, work measurements metrics, productivity tracking and data collection systems.

Qualifications:

- Accomplished team leader and coach, with a history of helping others achieve their potential.

- Strong analytical skills with solid understanding of financial data, measurements, and planning.

- Demonstrated capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and customers.

- Detail-oriented, logical, and methodological approach to problem-solving.

- Approachable and skilled at building rapport with a diverse team.

- Solid interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and presentation skills.

- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

- MS Office computer proficiency.

This is a Part-time, salaried position. Compensation and benefits are commensurate with experience.