Director of Operations - Yonder Cider

Director of Operations – Yonder Cider Co.

Location:

Wenatchee, WA | Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 | Full‑time | Reporting to: CEO

Yonder Cider is a rapidly growing cidery based in Wenatchee, Washington with taprooms in Seattle and Cashmere. Established in 2020, we produce over 4 million pounds of apples each year and distribute throughout the Pacific Northwest.

We are seeking a full‑time Director of Operations to lead and optimize all operational functions across production, packaging, supply chain, maintenance, and facility management. The Director will provide strategic leadership, clear oversight, and effective communication while supervising, motivating, and holding the production team accountable. Responsibilities include developing operational plans, staffing strategies, and production schedules that support both short‑term output and long‑term growth.

• Provide high‑level leadership across all operational departments including production, packaging, logistics, supply chain, and maintenance.
• Ensure site meets OSHA and food safety regulations by maintaining preventative maintenance schedules and facility standards.
• Oversee staffing decisions, performance management, training, safety and quality of cidery operations.
• Guarantee a safe working environment by maintaining facility and equipment and enforcing adherence to safe work practices.
• Work with cider‑making leadership to manage operational strategic plans, ensuring teams remain focused on core projects and feedback to leadership.
• Utilize cidery management software (EKOS) to solve issues, control inventory from packaging to delivery.
• Manage procurement of raw materials, coordinates with shipping and receiving staff.
• Collaborate on production activities, create schedules to meet sales forecasts, and hold teams accountable to timelines.
• Continuously improve cider‑making operations related to safety, quality, efficiency, cost optimization and profitability.
• Develop and implement short‑term and long‑term planning goals and corrective action plans; translate business strategy into operational goals.
• Standardize and update procedures and protocols; maintain and develop all related SOPs.
• Research and implement industry trends and compliance initiatives.
• Oversee design, operation and improvement of systems that produce company products; evaluate equipment purchases and major expenditures.
• Maintain an enjoyable and efficient working environment; ensure site repairs happen quickly.
• Build positive relationships with contractors, raw material suppliers and distribution partners.
• Maintain relationships with orchard partners, manage fruit projections and bin returns.
• Report data and make process recommendations; ensure all legal, compliance and chain‑of‑custody requirements are met.
• Work with Accounting to review financial statements and performance data; identify cost‑reduction opportunities.
• Represent the company with professionalism, knowledge and passion; network within the beverage community.

• Strong leadership and positive facility attitude.
• Mechanically savvy with expertise in troubleshooting electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to prioritize and make knowledgeable decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and team‑building skills.
• Analytical, problem‑solving, project and time‑management skills.
• Self‑starter, proactive and independent.
• Highly effective multitasker with high attention to detail.
• Honest and trustworthy; familiar with email, Google Drive, MS Office, and Drive.

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field or >3 years supervisory/leadership experience.
• Experience in active production, preferably beverage.
• Excellent organization, time‑management and problem‑solving skills.
• Integrity, creativity, persistence, honesty, adaptability.
• Ability to execute against a budget.
• Forklift certification (preferred).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in varying climates.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate harvest and peak production.

• Salary: $80,000 – $90,000
• Paid time off and holidays
• Health care and 401(k) match after 90 days
• Employee discounts and cider allocation

To apply, please submit a resume and email cover letter to  with “Job Application:
Director of Operations” in the subject line.