Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Company Description
Here at Traverse City Whiskey Co., "The Whiskey of the North", we are a fast growing, distillery based in northern Michigan. We distribute numerous whiskey expressions across 30 states and cocktail ingredients, including Premium Cocktail Cherries, Simple Syrup and a full line-up of cocktail mixers (under the Cocktail Crate brand), nationwide. We are currently seeking an Operations manager to lead our production and logistics functions.

Job Description
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is seeking an experienced and driven Operations Manager to lead our production operations, from distillation through order fulfillment. This critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing processes across multiple departmentsincluding distilling, warehousing, blending, bottling, and logistics. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with proven experience in operations management, team development, and inventory control, preferably within the beverage alcohol industry. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, values-driven company and make a direct impact on our continued success.

If you are looking for an entrepreneurial and fast-paced environment, where you can apply your operations knowledge and capabilities, apply to this position and send a quick note to our HR Coordinator at [email protected].

Responsibilities

• Foster a work environment aligned with the mission, vision, and values of Traverse City Whiskey Co. (TCWC).
• Lead daily operations across distilling, barreling, warehousing, blending, bottling, and order fulfillmentincluding personnel oversight, resource planning, quality control, and inventory management (raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods). Step in directly as needed to support team efforts.
• Build and inspire high-performing teams through strong leadership, clear goal setting, and a culture of accountability.
• Manage production volume targets, cost control, maintenance, waste reduction, safety, regulatory compliance, training, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Develop and implement procedures that ensure production meets consumer demand efficiently and consistently.
• Drive operational excellence by enforcing performance standards, tracking key metrics, and empowering team members to meet targets.
• Oversee inventory planning, ordering, delivery, and storage to prevent stockouts and ensure seamless operations.
• Conduct and reconcile regular inventory counts, reporting results in coordination with the accounting department.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with production and supply chain operations.
• Collaborate across departments while coaching and developing team members to support both individual and company growth.
• Ensure facilities meet safety, functionality, cleanliness, and security standards.
• Directly and indirectly supervise a team of approximately 1025 employees.
• Conduct performance evaluations and maintain thorough performance records.
• Oversee recruiting and hiring for operations-related positions.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with senior leadership, offering insights, updates, and recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities may shift based on seasonal needs or company priorities.

Qualifications

• 510 years of production and/or operations experience, including at least 3 years in a management role.
• Proven leadership and people management skills with a track record of team development.
• Adaptability and composure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to give and receive feedback constructively.
• Business-minded with a focus on results, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Proactive, energetic, and hands-on, with a strong sense of ownership and urgency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional presence and effective representation of TCWC internally and externally.
• Strong decision-making, negotiation, and delegation abilities; capable of thriving under pressure.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot operational issues.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Preferred: Experience in beverage alcohol production or manufacturing.
• Preferred: Familiarity with FDA, TTB, and other relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
• Preferred: Proficiency with NetSuite or similar ERP systems.

Education

• Bachelors degrees in engineering or business is preferred but not required.

Please note that this job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The employer reserves the right to modify the job description based on business requirements and needs.

Compensation

• $85,000 to $100,000 with exact base salary set determined by experience

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Health, Vision, Dental, etc insurance
• 120 Hours of Paid Time Off
• Simple IRA
• Employee DIscounts
• A fun and energetic company culture