Regional Quality Manager – External Manufacturing

Job Overview:

The Manager, Regional Technical Services, will use field-based skills to support our non-KDP owned production partners, helping them effectively manufacture and deliver the highest quality KDP product to our customers. This role will be remote and cover the Western USA. This position, through customer-focused activities related to quality and manufacturing, is an integral player in the protection of our brands.  They will have a thorough understanding of formulation, specifications, manufacturing processes and quality assurance and will partner with key internal teams in the areas of Customer Service, R&D, Licensing, Consumer Affairs, and Field Sales. 

Responsibilities

• Enforcing and maintaining standards and guidelines with KDP manufacturing partners.
• Working side by side with KDP manufacturers, training them on proper quality expectations, production guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Maintaining complete manufacturer profiles critical to KDP.
• Analyzing available data on quality, consumer complaints, and product trade age to identify potential issues.
• Investigate all out-of-standard issues. Work with manufacturers to validate results, determine the scope of the issue, identify the cause of the problem, and propose and implement corrective actions.
• Working with other KDP functions (Marketing, Graphics, Packaging and Product Development) to facilitate and support new product/package launches and marketing initiatives.
• Responsible at the Regional level for all new product and package starts to ensure that they are brought to the market in a timely manner and within quality guidelines.
• Providing value-added services to bottlers. Examples: in-plant laboratory training, sanitation/microbiological training, manufacturing support, trade age management training, continuous improvement programs.
• Taking responsibility for special projects as assigned. Leading cross-functional technical teams for onboarding of copackers and bottlers.
• Delivering needed information and subject matter expertise when called upon to enhance quality product delivered to customer.

Major Expectations of Role

Quality Improvement Implement for each bottler within region an action strategy for achieving continuous improvement of KDP product quality as delivered to the consumer.

Bottler Data Information Systems Responsible for the shared maintenance of all bottler information management systems for region. Complete on a timely basis all requested written and verbal communication.

Activities Manage all technical activities within region. These activities are determined in cooperation with the Quality Director and Senior Manager and are to be based on a sound business and customer-focused strategy and risk. Always strive for simplification and improvement of all activities.

Issues Focus on resolving issues promptly, diplomatically and effectively by utilizing all internal and external company resources. Those issues and solutions are to be communicated to the entire group.

Communications Communicate in various forms (emails, meetings, presentations) in a professional manner. Hold plants and teams accountable by clear documentation of plant work, visits, and action plans and other FTO information

Competitive Activities Monitor region for competitive activities, i.e., new products, reformulations of old products, technical activities, marketing strategies, etc. that will help KDP become more effective in the marketplace.

Trade Management Practice a trade age management philosophy and implement monitoring within region of the performance of our products in the marketplace. Utilize actionable strategies to facilitate better distribution practices and product selection to accomplish better product quality in the marketplace.

Budget Manage the region within the financial constraints established by the company. Constantly probe technical activities for potential cost savings to the department and/or to the company. Utilize good time management practices to maximize effectiveness at minimum cost.

Total Rewards:

• Salary Range: $98,600-145,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, or related field from accredited university
• Five years of experience in the carbonated beverage manufacturing industry, preferably in quality, production or process engineering. Preference is to have experience working directly within a beverage facility. Experience with powder production/blending and/or water treatment systems will be a nice to have.
• 5 years of intermediate level experience using MS Office products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
• 50-75% Travel is expected with this position.

Company Overview:
Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet. ​ We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.​ Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?​Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law A.I. Disclosure: KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.  AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.  If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to [email protected] in lieu of clicking Apply. Please include the job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in order for your email application to be considered.