Director, Bottling Operations

Where Conviviality is at work.

Pernod Ricard is a global premium international champagnes and spirits company. We’re the team behind leading brands such as ABSOLUT® Vodka, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, The Glenlivet®, Beefeater and Malfy Gins, and a leading portfolio of American whiskey brands including Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, TX, Smooth Ambler and Skrewball™ whiskey.

Working at Pernod Ricard is all about igniting conviviality in all that we do. Derived from the French word, convivialité…it means human connection, authenticity, friendly, and jovial. Conviviality is energy and spirit with a splash of je ne sais quoi and is a core philosophy around how we live and work at Pernod Ricard.

Guided by our 4 core values: (1) grounded in the real; (2) fiercely authentic; (3) passion for challenge; and (4) connected beyond borders; we are team players, dream makers, trailblazers, movers and (cocktail) shakers. We have a passion for living life to the fullest, making new friends every day, and realizing our potential as people and as a business!

The salary range for this role, based in Arkansas, is $135,700.00 to $169,650.00. The range may vary if the role outside of this location.  Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Position Summary

To establish strategic direction and action plans for Bottling to support the site and region strategy. Ensures compliance and excellence in Customer Service, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Product, Safety, Environmental and Employee Health & Safety.  This senior leadership position will be responsible for challenging existing norms,  leading change initiatives and delivering projects on time and within budget.  Focuses on developing organizational and people capabilities in order to maximize business objectives and results, ensure sustainable succession planning and employee engagement. Member of the site Leadership team focused on continuous improvement, cross functional communication and cooperation between functions to maximize site opportunity and profitability.

Major Responsibilities / Accountabilities

Personnel Management (Effectiveness):

• Provide direction and leadership for salaried, hourly and temporary employees.
• Provide leadership to managers, supervisors and/or professional staff as well as hourly operators.
• Builds high performance work groups focused on customer service and delivering results.  Inspires and motivates employees to achieve performance levels and potential through highly developed coaching skills, communication skills and by ensuring proper development training.
• Develop department culture that fosters teamwork, fast pace, training, effective communication, accountability and high individual performance culture.
• Utilize training matrix to ensure all employees are trained on company policies, safety programs, regulatory standards and ISO work instructions as defined by company standards.
• Mentor salaried leadership, through creation of development plans tailored to individual employees, towards continuous improvement.

Production Performance:

• Implement world class manufacturing techniques in pursuit of continuous improvement.
• Drive production performance to achieve targeted improvements and high level KPI targets.
• Leads the effort to achieve stretch business results by being a champion of Continuous Improvement utilizing Lean Manufacturing tools, specifically pertaining to changeover, first hour efficiency, OEE and cost per case.
• Utilize current and emerging technology to drive automation and production efficiency.  Lead technical decisions regarding equipment purchases, quality capabilities, efficiency capability studies.
• Establish production quality standards, ensure detailed work instructions, quality checks and resources are available to meet standards.
• Work closely with logistics and planning to improve efficiencies and ensure inventory targets are met without compromising customer service levels.
• Ensure compliance with all OHSA standards.  Ensure all aspects of ISO18001, 9001, 2200 and 14001 are delivered on time. 
• Drive improvement in the facility's Operations Excellence progress as defined by Group.

Budgetary Performance:

• Solicit and implement cost reduction and waste elimination initiatives from hourly and supervisory workforce.
• Develop and manage annual operating, overhead budgets, capital projects and execute action plans that drive efficiencies.  Manage resources to ensure objectives are delivered.  Closely monitor performance and implement corrective actions as needed to achieve objectives and financial targets.
• Develop short and long term capital budgets supported by financial analysis identifying project deliverables, ROI and payback analysis. Lead teams to implement approved projects and deliver promised results.
• Enhance and encourage employee involvement in daily production processes by listening, educating and quantifying their ideas for improvement.

Special Projects and Programs:

• Support new product initiatives as developed.  Ensure all required resources are addressed and obtained to ensure successful product launches.
• Coordinate the purchase, proper use, maintenance, and inspection of necessary safety and personal protective equipment.
• Achieve key legislative and technical standards.
• TTB/US Customs Compliance.
• AAP/EEO Compliance.
• HAZMAT/DOT Compliance.
• HACCO-GMP Certification.
• Quality Standards Implementation.
• COSRI Achievement.
• PMPs – KPIs.
• Promote the Pernod Ricard Safety Culture initiative and ensure that safety concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
• Responsible for ensure all employee follow PPE requirements and abide by all safety guidelines outlined in procedures and work instructions.
• Responsible for reporting\ all accidents, incidents, and near-misses immediately. These would include all non-disabling and disabling injuries and occupational illnesses, fatalities, fires, and explosions, property damage, chemical spills, and any incident having the potential for property damage or personal injury.
• Ensures that investigation and corrective action occurs in an efficient and timely manner.
• Achieve the corporate objective of no lost time accidents.

Key Requirements

• BSBA or Industrial Engineer or related field, or equivalent experience, required. MBA a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years manufacturing experience in various leadership roles and responsibilities are required for this position.
• Strong people skills including written / verbal communication. Strong project management skills. Strong analytical / problem solving skills. Strong financial skills. Total production management including balancing quality and quantity. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.  Long-range goal setting abilities.  Adequately versed in most common office and production and inventory control software programs, i.e. Microsoft Office, JD Edwards.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships and facilitate learning Public speaking skills.
• Proficiency with computer applications and Microsoft products.

Required Competencies

Demonstrate commitment to the PR USA, Fort Smith QSE Management System policy, procedures, and dedication to the achievement of Operational Excellence, business performance, and sustainability through:

• Producing quality products with a focus on customer satisfaction and cost effective operations.
• Identifying and reducing product safety risks and practicing good manufacturing practices.
• Practicing safety awareness and safe work practices to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and visitors: by identifying and reducing safety risks, maintaining a clean work environment, and practicing good health, hygiene, and safety practices.
• Protection of the environment through recycling, minimizing waste, and conservation of natural resources.

Job Posting End Date:

Target Hire Date:

When you join Pernod Ricard, you’ll experience a workplace that is rich in heritage, driven by our iconic brands and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, safety, and giving back to the people and communities where we work. We know that happiness at work starts with that feeling of belonging you get from an inclusive culture where being uniquely you is celebrated. Our values are lived, they drive our behaviors, and it’s what brings our culture to life.

Our work philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection with the flexibility needed to provide one's most meaningful contribution. We offer a flexible work policy, with most of our positions offering a a hybrid option with flexibility to work remotely 2 days a week. As a global employer, we understand that not everyone’s working hours are the same, and we empower our employees to work the hours that make the most sense for them and their team’s schedules.

We offer employees great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support. Check out PRUSABenefits.com for details.

This recruitment process uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to match applicant skills with role requirements and qualifications.

Pernod Ricard USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It employs qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience, and does not and will not, discriminate for or against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based upon actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service or any other classification protected by law. Offers will be subject to United States local terms.

Pernod Ricard USA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Pernod Ricard USA will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. To request reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact us at PR_NA_TalentAcquisition@pernod-ricard.com.