Sr Dir Operations

San Bernardino
631 S Waterman Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too:
Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Senior Director of Operations is responsible for manufacturing plant operations in the region. This strategic leadership role focuses on driving operational excellence, optimizing plant performance, and aligning production processes with the company’s broader business objectives. The Senior Director ensures that manufacturing strategies are executed efficiently, fostering a culture of safety, environmental compliance, and continuous improvement.

This position plays a key role in long-term operational planning, resource allocation, capital investment strategies, and talent development across the region.

• Strategic oversight of the operations of all plants in the designated region in accordance with the Refresco North America Manufacturing system, policies, customer requirements, and within approved budgets.
• Lead the regional operations team that includes indirect reports from key functional areas. Partner with plant managers and leaders from other functional departments to identify site specific opportunities and translate those into action plans and goals.
• Demonstrates an effective leadership style, aligned with our global leadership behaviors, to Plant Managers, peers, and other senior leaders inside and outside the Operations function.
• Leads and directs the work of other employees and has responsibility for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
• Coaches and develops staff to enhance functional and leadership skills and expertise. Identify and develop leaders at all levels within span of control.
• Communicate clear expectations to direct reports and hold them accountable to those expectations.
• Contribute to and help build a culture where Refresco employees are engaged and excited to come to work.
• Partner with Plant Managers and Human Resources to continually evaluate opportunities to enhance and improve teamwork, especially within the plant leadership teams at each location as well as the broader regional operations leadership team.
• Formulates and implements manufacturing policies and programs to maintain and improve the competitive position and profitability of the operations.
• Actively manages large Manufacturing and/or Continuous Improvement projects within the region.
• Proactively push for necessary resources to support plant operations and drive performance improvements.
• Assist plant managers in overcoming barriers by securing support from internal departments and external partners when needed.
• Provide strong leadership and coverage during crises, ensuring transparency, admitting mistakes, and driving continuous learning from setbacks.
• Rapidly communicate to Vice President of Operations any significant challenges or failures that may pose a risk to the business.
• Provides guidance to ensure Plant Managers maintain compliance with Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards and food safety regulations, supporting the implementation of best practices and corrective actions.
• Oversees the development of strategies by Plant Managers to reduce workplace accidents, minimize energy use, and manage waste, fostering a…