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About YEW Sparkling Water

YEW is a sparkling water brand dedicated to providing delicious drinks with zero sugar, no sweeteners, zero calories, and only natural flavors such as Green Apple, Pink Rhubarb, Yuzu Grapefruit, and the world's first Pickle flavored sparkling water. Since launching in October 2024, the company has grown from sales in a single café on Brick Lane to distribution through major retailers and numerous independent venues across the UK. Recently, the launch of the Pickle flavor has accelerated demand beyond expectations, prompting expansion into major national retail and foodservice accounts while advancing production.

Role Overview

This newly created position will establish and lead the operational backbone of YEW as the company scales. Reporting to the Commercial Director and collaborating closely with the founding team, the Operations Manager will be accountable for the end-to-end supply chain, including production planning, procurement, logistics, and fulfilment. The successful candidate will ensure operational commitments align with commercial obligations, requiring organization, proactive approach, and commercial insight beyond basic operational competence.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and manage production plans with co-manufacturers, balancing capacity with sales forecasts.
Oversee procurement activities by managing ingredient and packaging supplier relationships, placing timely orders, monitoring pricing trends, and identifying cost risks.
Coordinate logistics and fulfilment operations, including managing third-party logistics (3PL), retailer and wholesale deliveries, and maintaining high delivery standards to protect retail listings.
Own operational onboarding and compliance for new retailer accounts, handling Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), portal management, product content, and label compliance to ensure readiness before launch.
Manage operational execution of new product developments, from co-manufacturer instructions through initial production runs, covering artwork, regulatory requirements, and packaging approvals.
Maintain accurate inventory records across all locations, provide stock visibility and risk assessment, and supply reliable stock data for financial planning.

Candidate Profile

Possess 2 to 4 years of operations experience in the drinks or FMCG sector with exposure to the entire supply chain.
Demonstrated experience managing co-manufacturers, supplier relations, and supporting growing brands to remain on shelf.
Detail-oriented, proactive problem solver who can document processes, anticipate issues, and impose structure on complex environments.
One who can confidently engage with production issues and commercial planning discussions alike.
Experience or knowledge of 3PL, direct-to-consumer (DTC) operations, production planning software, EDI, and retailer compliance processes is advantageous.
Familiarity with beverages industry dynamics, co-packing, and transitioning from independent distribution to grocery retail is a plus.
Interest in operational efficiency, scalability, and openness to leveraging AI tools, even without technical expertise.

Benefits and Offerings

Competitive salary based on experience.
25 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays.
Work setting includes four days per week in East London office with flexible arrangements for the fifth day.
Opportunity to significantly shape and lead an operational function within a fast-growing, ambitious brand, with potential for role growth parallel to company expansion.

Operations Manager