General Manager

Position Description

Zum Bev seeking a results-driven and experienced General Manager to lead our beverage co-manufacturing facility, recently acquired by a leading packaging company. This plant plays a critical role in our strategic expansion into the beverage sector. The General Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, driving performance improvements, and ensuring seamless integration with the parent company’s systems and culture.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader with deep experience in beverage co-manufacturing to shape the future of a growing business unit.

• Strategic Leadership
  • Translate corporate goals into actionable plant-level strategies.
  • Lead the integration of the plant into the parent company’s operational and cultural framework.
  • Identify and pursue growth opportunities in alignment with corporate objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers to ensure satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customer inquiries, feedback, and issue resolution, proactively addressing concerns to support customer retention and loyalty.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand evolving customer needs and incorporate their feedback into operational strategies, driving continuous improvement and enhanced service delivery.
• Operational Excellence
  • Oversee all daily operations including production, quality, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Ensure production targets are met while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.
  • Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize throughput and reduce waste.
• People & Culture
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of employees across multiple departments.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Champion employee engagement, retention, and professional development.
• Develop and manage plant budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditures.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure cost-effective use of resources while maintaining product quality and safety.
• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations including FDA, OSHA, and environmental standards.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and lead initiatives to reduce incidents and improve workplace safety.
• Alcoholic Beverage Production & Compliance
  • Oversee production processes involving alcoholic beverages, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and standards.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) regulations, including licensing, excise taxes, and operational guidelines for manufacturers and wholesalers
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies.
  • Implement and monitor internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance, product integrity, and proper documentation for audits and inspections.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the plant and corporate leadership.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, supply chain, and sales to support new product launches and customer requirements.
  • Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and local community stakeholders.

• 10+ years of leadership experience in a beverage co-manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of managing plant operations, leading teams, and delivering results.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of beverage production processes, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with ERP systems and lean manufacturing methodologies.

• MBA or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience leading post-acquisition integration or change management initiatives.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices in manufacturing.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• United States (Required)

Zum Bev provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.