Senior Manager Manufacturing and Supply Chain

About Us 

Bespoken Spirits, headquartered in Lexington, KY, is a groundbreaking spirits company, revolutionizing the industry through its finishing process, using all-natural elements of wood, toast and char. From there, its experts introduce meticulously crafted, proprietary micro-staves into the spirit and employ a process capable of producing a myriad of precisely calibrated natural aroma and flavor profiles. To date, Bespoken has created over 5,000 unique whiskey trials, all using less wood, water and energy. The best of these whiskies have earned over 215 awards, including ASCOT, American Distilling Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, World Whiskies, New York World Wine & Spirits and many others. We are seeking an experienced Production and Supply Manager to oversee and optimize our procurement, logistics, manufacturing, and new product development processes. 

Overview 

This role will have direct responsibility for manufacturing operations, ensuring seamless coordination between suppliers, production, and distribution to meet business objectives. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in end-to-end supply chain management, expertise in manufacturing processes, and the ability to drive operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards. This role requires an energetic strategic thinker and problem-solver who can balance cost, quality, and speed to market while navigating complex supply chain dynamics. 

Responsibilities 

Manufacturing Operations Management  

• Oversee all manufacturing operations, ensuring production meets quality, schedule, cost, and efficiency targets - including distillation, wood production, and bottling 

• Optimize production scheduling, resource allocation, and capacity planning 

• Implement lean manufacturing principles and process improvements to enhance productivity 

• Develop and maintain KPIs to track manufacturing performance, ensuring continuous improvement 

• Foster a culture of (in order): safety, quality, meeting schedules and efficiency 

• Track and record all safety and quality incidents (and non-incidents) daily 

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance protocols  

• Maintain constant communication with management, staff, and vendors to ensure proper operations of the organization  

• Grow the efficiency of existing organizational processes and procedures to enhance and sustain the organization’s internal capacity  

• Actively pursue strategic and operational objectives 

• Implement, use and maintain systems to manage planning, materials and inventory 

Supply Chain Strategy & Execution 

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies that align with business objectives 

• Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and risk mitigation 

• Lead cross-functional teams to execute supply chain initiatives 

Procurement & Vendor Management 

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers 

• Negotiate contracts and pricing to ensure optimal cost and quality 

• Identify and onboard new suppliers to support business growth and innovation 

Logistics & Distribution 

• Oversee inventory management, warehousing, and transportation to ensure smooth product flow 

• Manage domestic and international logistics to optimize supply chain performance 

• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain disruptions 

Project Management & New Product Development 

• Lead supply chain planning for new product launches 

• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and marketing teams to align supply chain with product development timelines 

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards 

Qualifications & Skills 

• BS or MS in Engineering, Science or related 

• 5-10 years of experience in supply chain, manufacturing, procurement, and logistics 

• Experience managing direct manufacturing operations  

• Background in spirits, beverage, CPG, or related industries is a plus 

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience overseeing manufacturing teams 

• Expertise in cost optimization, production planning, and supplier negotiations 

• Experience with ERP systems, supply chain analytics tools, and inventory management software 

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage competing priorities 

• Experience with international supply chains and sourcing is a plus 

• This is an on-site job at our production facilities in Lexington, KY 

Why Join Us? 

• Lead end-to-end supply chain and manufacturing operations in a growing company 

• Work in a fast-paced, innovative environment where your impact is significant 

• Be part of a company that values efficiency, quality, and strategic growth 

• Competitive salary that includes equity and comprehensive benefits package