Operations & Start-Up Manager

Keurig Dr Pepper•Spartanburg, SC

4d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

This role is aligned to the Coffee Operating Unit. The Operations & Start-Up Manager is responsible for driving safe, efficient, and reliable production operations while leading the successful start-up, ramp-up, and transition of new equipment and production lines into stable operations. This role provides operational leadership across shifts and coordinates closely with Production, Engineering, R&D, Maintenance, Quality, Planning, Warehousing, and other key functions to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred; technical degrees in Engineering, Technology, Operations, or a related field strongly preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
3+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with experience in production start-up, ramp-up, or new equipment implementation.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, TPM, 5S, Autonomous Maintenance, Poka-Yoke, Visual Factory, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating complex projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of production operations, equipment readiness, process capability, standardized work, and operational performance.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to develop and interpret performance data and visual management tools.
Proven ability to build, develop, coach, and lead high-performing teams.
Strong organizational, prioritization, time-management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.
Self-motivated and decisive, with the ability to work independently while effectively coordinating across multiple functions

Responsibilities

Foster a proactive safety culture with a goal of zero incidents while ensuring completion of required safety training, programs, and standards.
Lead daily production operations and provide clear tactical direction to teams to meet schedule, service, quality, and performance targets.
Develop and execute CQV and ramp-up strategies, including success criteria, KPIs, milestones, schedules, resource plans, and risk management.
Lead structured ramp-up activities for new production lines and equipment from installation through operational readiness, stable production, and final handover to Operations.
Facilitate hourly, daily, and weekly cross-functional meetings to monitor performance, resolve issues, remove roadblocks, and escalate risks.
Establish clear priorities when competing needs arise across Operations, Engineering, R&D, Maintenance, and other functions.
Drive execution of ramp-up plans, including operational trials, training, material readiness, equipment capability studies, and action tracking.
Establish visual management systems and performance tracking tools that provide transparency into goals, actions, training, and ramp-up progress.
Ensure CQV gating processes, required approvals, documentation, and sign-offs are completed and maintained within company systems.
Support development and implementation of operating, setup, cleaning, maintenance, food safety, quality, and safety standards to ensure consistent and sustainable operations.
Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Kaizen, TPM, 5S, standardized work, Poka-Yoke, Visual Factory, and other operational excellence methodologies.
Optimize staffing models and develop a flexible, cross-trained workforce through effective training, competency development, and knowledge transfer.
Build, coach, and develop high-performing teams while supporting employee engagement, accountability, succession planning, and morale.
Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, R&D, Planning, Warehousing, and other support functions to drive operational performance and successful equipment/process handover.
Ensure equipment and processes meet operational requirements, support acceptance testing, complete required documentation, and achieve sustainable production performance.
Create a culture of trust, inclusion, accountability, safety, and employee well-being.
Establish clear goals and priorities while driving accountability through consistent communication and performance management.
Lead by example, fostering collaboration, problem-solving, innovation, and continuous learning across functions.
Maintain a safe, engaging, and disciplined work environment where employees are aligned, empowered, and equipped to succeed.
Build strong cross-functional relationships and ensure teams remain focused on shared operational and ramp-up objectives.