Director of Operations

Odara Functinal Beverage

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BACKGROUND

ODARA a Grupo Cargo Company is a premium functional beverage brand launching in Houston Texas in 2027. Our products are lightly carbonated, mineral-rich, and designed for clean hydration, performance, and wellness. We are building a modern, athletic, wellness-driven brand with a strong sporty aesthetic and a focus on high-quality ingredients and manufacturing excellence.

We are now looking for an experienced Director of Operations to guide our production, supply chain, and go-to-market readiness.


ROLE REVIEW

The Director of Operations will be responsible for building ODARA’s operational foundation: covering supply chain, production planning, quality control, co-packer management, regulatory compliance, and operational scalability.


This role is ideal for someone with significant CPG/beverage experience who has helped brands launch, scale, or operate efficiently in their first years. The position will start part-time or advisory and can evolve into a full-time leadership role as we grow.


RESPONSABILITIES

Production & Manufacturing

  • Lead the operational setup for ODARA’s first production runs (2 SKUs).
  • Work directly with co-packers to negotiate MOQs, pricing, schedules, and quality standards.
  • Coordinate with formulation labs to ensure production feasibility and ingredient sourcing.
  • Oversee line trials, batching processes, carbonation levels, pH targets, and product consistency.

Supply Chain & Procurement

  • Build and manage the full supply chain (ingredients, cans, ends, cartons, pallets).
  • Select and supervise suppliers, freight providers, and warehousing/3PL partners.
  • Create efficient systems for demand planning, forecasting, and inventory management.

Quality & Compliance

  • Oversee QA/QC protocols, COAs, shelf-life testing, and product stability.
  • Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, food safety standards, and labeling rules.
  • Establish SOPs for manufacturing, recalls, sanitation, and documentation.

Operational Strategy

  • Build scalable systems for growth from 100K+ units to 1M+.
  • Create operational budgets, cost-per-unit models, and margin improvement plans.
  • Assist with operational due diligence for investors and retail partners.
  • Identify risks and implement strategies to reduce cost, waste, and operational failures.


QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • 7–15 years of experience in CPG operations (beverages strongly preferred).
  • Experience working with co-packers and managing production runs.
  • Strong understanding of supply chain design, forecasting, and cost modeling.
  • Familiarity with food/beverage regulatory requirements (FDA, QA/QC, COAs).
  • Proven track record launching or scaling a beverage or functional CPG product.
  • Ability to thrive in an early-stage, fast-moving startup environment.


Preferred

  • Experience in sparkling water, functional beverages, kombucha, energy drinks, or wellness CPG.
  • Networks with ingredient suppliers, packaging manufacturers, and co-packers.
  • Previous role as Director of Operations, VP Ops, COO, Head of Supply Chain, or equivalent.


WHAT WE OFFER

  • Opportunity to build a beverage brand from the ground up.
  • Flexible structure Hybrid
  • Equity participation for experienced operators.
  • Direct collaboration with the founder on brand-building, product development, and go-to-market.
  • A creative, ambitious brand vision blending wellness, fashion, and performance.


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