Virginia Beach Lead Packaging Operator

New Realm Brewing Co.•Virginia Beach, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

New Realm Brewing Company in Virginia Beach is seeking an experienced Lead Packaging Operator to oversee packaging operations. This hands-on shift leader role is responsible for ensuring every can, bottle, and keg meets rigorous quality standards while maintaining maximum efficiency on the line. The Lead Packaging Operator will report to the Packaging Manager and is accountable for the coordination and execution of all packaging operations, working closely with brewing, cellar, warehouse, maintenance, and quality teams. This front-line lead position requires proficiency in all packaging line operations, including high-speed canning, bottling, and kegging, and involves overseeing 3-4 Packaging Operators per shift to foster a culture of precision, safety, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

5 or more years of proven leadership experience in packaging operations within a brewery, beverage, or food manufacturing environment.
Technical expertise with high-speed packaging equipment (Wild Goose, Cask, Krones, KHS, or similar canning/bottling lines) in a high-volume production environment.
Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems on packaging lines.
Experience with cGMP, HACCP, and Food Safety Programs; knowledge of quality control methodologies specific to beverage packaging.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems (Ekos, Orchestrated, SAP, etc.) for production tracking and inventory management.
Familiarity with Dissolved Oxygen (DO) testing, seam inspection, and other packaging quality metrics.
Strong coaching skills with a genuine passion for people development and team building.
Forklift certified; ability to lift 55 lbs repeatedly, work in temperature extremes, and stand for extended periods.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
A calm, flexible, and solution-focused mindset with unwavering commitment to safety and quality.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and execute daily packaging operations according to SOPs and detailed production schedules, including canning, bottling, and kegging lines.
Oversee line startup, changeovers, and shutdowns while ensuring optimal run speeds and minimal downtime.
Perform and document quality control checks including dissolved oxygen (DO) testing, seam inspections, fill-level verification, date code accuracy, and package integrity.
Coordinate with brewing and cellar teams to ensure timely availability of bright beer and proper tank transfers to meet production targets.
Troubleshoot packaging equipment issues (filler, seamer, labeler, depalletizer, conveyance) and make real-time adjustments to maintain efficiency.
Monitor and track packaging materials inventory (cans, bottles, carriers, trays, wrap) and conduct regular cycle counts.
Provide hands-on training and mentorship to Packaging Operators, developing technical skills and quality awareness.
Cross-train team members on all packaging lines to ensure operational flexibility and coverage during absences.
Maintain stringent housekeeping standards and ensure compliance with safety protocols, cGMP, and food safety programs (HACCP).
Identify maintenance needs and coordinate priorities with maintenance staff; perform routine preventive maintenance tasks.
Collaborate with Warehouse on finished goods palletization, storage, and shipment preparation.
Participate in daily cross-department scrums, communicating line status, beer availability, and quality metrics.
Identify and document process improvements, revise SOPs as needed, and report non-conformities to leadership and quality teams.
Foster a culture of respect, accountability, and unwavering attention to detail.