Packaging Operations Manager Jobs in Meriden, CT

Job DetailsJob Location: Stratford, CT 06615Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 SalaryJob Shift: Day

The Packaging Manager is responsible for leading the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of the Packaging Department, including canning, bottling, kegging, variety packaging, and repack operations. This position provides leadership and direction to the Assistant Packaging Manager, Packaging Supervisors, Leads, and Packaging Operators while driving employee development, operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

The Packaging Manager is accountable for executing the approved production schedule, developing frontline leadership, improving equipment reliability, achieving department performance goals, and building a highly skilled, cross-trained workforce. This role partners closely with the Supply Chain Manager, Packaging Planner, Brewing, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Human Resources, and other departments to ensure operational success.

• Lead, coach, and develop Packaging Supervisors, Leads, and Packaging employees while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Direct daily packaging operations across canning, bottling, kegging, variety packaging, and repack activities to safely meet production goals.
• Execute the production schedule in partnership with the Packaging Planner and Supply Chain team while adjusting staffing and resources to meet business needs.
• Monitor departmental performance through key metrics including safety, quality, labor efficiency, downtime, and schedule attainment.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, GMPs, food safety standards, and company quality requirements.
• Develop employee capabilities through structured training, cross-training, and performance coaching.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, and employee relations.
• Collaborate with Engineering & Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and support capital improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, operational records, and department reporting.
• Develop and manage the Packaging Department budget while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and control costs.
• Build effective working relationships across Brewing, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Quality to ensure smooth production flow.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that improve productivity, quality, safety, and employee engagement.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Packaging Science, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.

• 8 to 10 years of manufacturing or packaging operations experience.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Beverage manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience leading multi-shift manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated success developing supervisors and production teams.

• Strong knowledge of beverage packaging operations, including canning, bottling, kegging, and repack processes.
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of OSHA regulations, GMPs, food safety, and quality systems.
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make sound business decisions.

• Ability to frequently walk the production floor.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 55 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, loud noise, moving machinery, and wet conditions.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

The Packaging Manager provides operational oversight of packaging equipment but is not expected to routinely operate production machinery.

Required PPE includes:

• Safety glasses
• Steel-toe footwear
• Hearing protection
• High-visibility vest (when required)
• Additional PPE as required

This position works primarily in a manufacturing environment and requires regular presence on the production floor. Exposure to loud noise, moving equipment, temperature changes, cleaning chemicals, compressed air systems, and other manufacturing hazards is expected. Occasional work outside of normal business hours may be required to support production, maintenance activities, or business needs.

• A hands-on leader with strong operational and business acumen.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Collaborative and able to build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic manufacturing environment where priorities may change quickly.
• Passionate about operational excellence, employee development, and continuous improvement.

At Two Roads Brewing Company, we're passionate about brewing exceptional beverages while fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Every role at Two Roads contributes to delivering high-quality products and experiences to our customers while supporting the continued growth of our brands and contract manufacturing business.

We believe our people are our greatest asset. We invest in employee development, promote from within whenever possible, and encourage continuous learning at every level of the organization. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside talented and dedicated professionals, we'd love to have you join our team.