Production Manager

Job description
MicroStar Logistics is built on the simple idea that sharing is better. We provide a comprehensive shared-keg solution designed to eliminate the inefficient and costly method in which kegs have traditionally been owned, tracked and retrieved by breweries. The company manages a pool of over 6 million shareable kegs and the corresponding logistical needs for brewery customers. By sharing kegs rather than owning, our customers reduce the distance empty kegs travel lowering our collective carbon footprint by over 10 million kg of CO2e. This cost-effective outsourced solution also enables our customers to preserve capital, improve quality, and focus on core competencies such as production and marketing. These benefits, combined with MicroStar’s CUSTOMER FIRST! philosophy, have allowed us to develop long-term, exclusive partnerships with many of the world’s best brewers including approximately half of the 50 largest breweries in the U.S.

MicroStar’s 30-year track record of growth is set to continue for the next 30 years through growth in our core business as well as continued geographic and service diversification. Through MicroStar’s acquisition of Kegstar, a leading keg solutions provider in markets including the UK, Europe and Australia, MicroStar is positioned for transformative growth globally. Additionally, our network of 1,500+ beer distributors is unequaled and provides a platform for products and services beyond kegs further expanding the company’s growth potential, beginning with the launch of reusable pallet management in 2026.

To learn more, visit www.microstarlogistics.com.

The Production Manager, Ft. Collins, reports to the VP of Operations and is a key member of our “Customer Ready!” quality team. This position’s primary role is responsible for directing plant activities including safety, operations, inventory control, production, receiving/shipping (logistics), staffing management, equipment maintenance and building maintenance for the facility. This position also has responsibility for customer management support, regional Rotech support, MQS network support and strategic programs affecting the business, as requested by the VP of operations.

Duties And Responsibilities
• Lead by example in all plant activities, to include regular engagement in all important plant operations and jobs.
• Establish operational procedures for all plant activities (SOPs, JSAs), such as verification of incoming and outgoing shipments, handling and disposition of materials, keeping warehouse inventory current (unfinished, parts and supplies, finished), managing month end close inventory counts, resolving discrepancies, sorting and repair of kegs or pallets, cleaning and processing assets, maintenance of equipment and building areas, environmental compliance requirements and customer management.
• Oversee full operation of safety, quality, sorting, repair and decanting of kegs, as well as full operation of pallet management.
• Ensure accuracy of production reporting, including daily production, quality, hours, timesheets, etc.
• Confer with customer’s department leaders to ensure coordination of plant activities with other functions such as production, logistics, planning, IT, sales, accounting, and purchasing.
• Manage the production quality, staffing costs, service levels and improvements.
• Directly supervise a team of leads, warehouse and production specialists and temporary employees to maximize productivity and efficiency including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Work closely with Landlord in coordinating lease-based maintenance, visits and lease documentation updates.
• Maintain accurate inventory data in M’s accounting systems, including data entry and reporting.
• Oversee logistics to include shipping and receiving of product; ensure accurate recordkeeping, bill of ladings and required paperwork. Direct warehouse transfers and ensure efficient storage capacity.
• Manage warehouse safety to include proper stacking & warehouse organization, forklift operation/certification, and proper job and safety training. Identify and resolve safety concerns or hazards.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment to include proper sorting, pest control, storage optimization, and utilize the 5S model of lean manufacturing practices.
• Drive general lean principles and continuous improvement ways of thinking.
• Make sure that all operational equipment is properly maintained and kept in optimal operational condition.
• Supervise material handling equipment preventative maintenance for forklifts, shrink wrappers, scale, loading docks, and any additional equipment.
• Oversee and direct all building maintenance to include garbage, cleaning floors and racking, and overall organization, including the salvage of damage or used materials.
• Create a culture of safety, quality, productivity, and cost ownership throughout the plant operation, while promoting efficiency.
• Develop future leaders willing and able to fill leadership roles within the organization as M continues to expand.
• Become knowledge experts at all things operations, kegs and pallets.
• Effectively communicate with customer and strategic partners to include Rotech visits, direct customer visits and guiding corporate logistics in their communications with the customers.

Required Skills And Competencies
• Establishing High Standards and Getting Results: sets challenging but attainable goals for themselves and their plant. Focus on safety, quality, customer service and cleanliness.
• Encouraging Teamwork: establishes common objectives with joint accountability among the team members.
• Improving the Organization: assumes responsibility for the success of the organization and their employees and takes a leadership role in moving the organization forward.
• Effective Delegation: achieves organizational objectives through others.
• Exhibit sound decision making skills and judgement, understanding business implications of decisions and aligning work with strategic goals.
• Ability to provide solutions to complex issues and de-escalate situations successfully.
• Effective Communication: provides timely and concise information to help others do their jobs better.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in work while understanding all aspects of production and issues that may affect operations.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• 6 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing role
• 2 years of lead or supervisory experience
• Sound project management capabilities with the ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously from origin through execution.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Lean Six Sigma, or similar training / certification

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

This position is located in a production / manufacturing work environment. Ability to work occasional flexible, long hours based on company/volume needs. Work hours vary depending on business needs.

The employee may be exposed to high noise level, manufacturing/electrical equipment, pressurized equipment, moving objects, hazardous materials, fumes/odors, dirt/dust, and warm/cold temperatures.

Personal protective equipment is required when on the production floor to include: steel toe boots, hearing protection and eye protection. No loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories are allowed.

The employee in this position is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.

This position will require travel no greater than 10%.

Compensation

Hiring Salary: $75,000 - 88,000, plus bonus.

MicroStar offers a competitive compensation package to include Fortune 500 caliber benefits, 401k + Employer Match, and PTO and Sick Leave.

MicroStar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.