Packaging Shift Lead

Octopi Brewing, Co; Waunakee, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Company-paid life insurance

Disability insurance (short/long-term)

401(k) with company match

120 hours PTO annually

9 paid holidays

Free beer after shift

Job summary

Octopi Brewing, Co is seeking a Packaging Shift Lead in Wisconsin to run the line and lead a 7–10 person crew across bottle, can, and keg lines. You will set daily priorities, train staff, and collaborate with the Packaging Management Team to maintain efficiency and quality.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, with the opportunity to step onto the machines when needed and to influence weekly shift planning, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Must have manufacturing experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to lift 55 lbs and move 165 lbs, and bend/reach.
• Forklift experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 7–10 on shift, delegate tasks, and manage downtime.
• Build and approve weekly shift staffing schedules and PTO.
• Verify packaging mix and materials before fills; monitor tank status.
• Coordinate training and update SOPs for efficiency.
• Complete daily shift and production reports, QA/QC sheets, pallet tickets, run data.
• Collaborate with maintenance on work orders and safety procedures.
• Operate bottle filler, canning line, and kegger as needed.
• Model safe practices and maintain a clean, organized work area.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Verbal and written communication

Microsoft Office

Physical strength

Forklift experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

PACKAGING SHIFT LEAD

Lead the Line, Lead the Team — Every Can Starts With Your Shift

Full-Time

ABOUT ASAHI BEER USA / OCTOPI BREWING

Founded in 2014 as a Wisconsin contract brewery, Octopi Brewing has spent over a decade brewing and packaging beer, seltzers, RTDs, and sodas for clients nationwide. In 2024, Asahi — brewers of Asahi Super Dry — acquired Octopi, making us the U.S. production home of Super Dry. Today, our 250+ person team of beverage industry pros keeps that same local, quality-first spirit alive at a state-of-the-art facility. Our packaging lines run right alongside the cellar and brewhouse, keeping fresh product moving from tank to can around the clock.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We're looking for a Packaging Shift Lead to run the line and lead the team on shift. You'll supervise a crew of 7–10 across our bottle, can, and keg lines, make the day-to-day calls that keep production efficient and quality high, and work hand-in-hand with the Packaging Management Team.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE GREAT

• Real leadership of your own line and crew — scheduling, training, and day-to-day decisions are yours
• A seat alongside the Packaging Management Team, with weekly touchpoints and a voice in how we improve
• Hands-on variety — you're leading people and still stepping onto the machines when the team needs you

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead a team of 7–10 on shift, delegating work, triaging requests, and keeping downtime low
• Build the weekly shift staffing schedule and handle PTO approvals
• Confirm the right packaging mix and materials before every fill, and keep the team current on tank status
• Coordinate training and keep SOPs up to date so everyone on shift is trained and efficient
• Complete the daily shift report and production reports, including QA/QC sheets, pallet tickets, and run data
• Work with the team to flag issues and submit maintenance work orders
• Support CIPs and preventative maintenance, and jump on the machines — bottle filler, canning line, and kegger — as needed
• Lead by example on safety, SOPs, cleaning procedures, and a clean, organized workspace

WHAT YOU BRING

Must-haves:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior manufacturing experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organization, and comfort in a fast-paced environment
• Able to lift 55 lbs and move 165 lbs as needed, and to bend, stoop, and reach repeatedly
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Flexibility with working hours

Nice-to-haves:

• Brewery or beverage industry experience
• Forklift experience

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage — effective the 1st of the month after 30 days
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) eligible after 3 months, with company match — 100% up to 3%, 50% on the next 2%
• 120 hours of PTO annually, with accrual that grows the longer you're here
• 9 paid holidays (if they fall on your scheduled workday)
• A free beer after shift, because you earned it

CURRENTLY HIRING FOR

• 2nd Shift | Monday – Thursday | 4pm – 2am — Opening Available

Don't see your preferred shift? Check back — openings update regularly.

PAY BY SHIFT

Base rate for this role is $28.00/hr. Shifts outside of 1st shift include an additional shift differential on top of that base — never a lower starting rate, just added pay for the shift.

• 1st Shift — $28.00/hr (base rate)
• 2nd Shift — $28.00/hr base + $3.00/hr shift differential = $31.00/hr
• 3rd Shift — $28.00/hr base + $4.00/hr shift differential = $32.00/hr
• Weekend Day — $28.00/hr base + $5.75/hr shift differential = $33.75/hr
• Weekend Night — $28.00/hr base + $7.75/hr shift differential = $35.75/hr

Full-time, non-exempt