Rich Cooper

About Rich Cooper

Dynamic and results-driven brewing industry leader with over 26 years of experience driving operational excellence, fostering innovation, and building high-performing and autonomous teams. Proven expertise in managing large-scale operations, optimizing processes, and achieving exceptional performance in safety, quality, and sustainability. Adept at strategic planning, cost management, and spearheading complex projects to deliver measurable results. Recognized for cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and technical expertise within globally renowned brewing organizations.Key achievements include:• Leading 100+ member teams in high-automation and high-volume brewing environments, achieving world class safety and quality metrics.• Delivering $18M+ in cost savings through operational efficiencies and sustainability initiatives.• Successfully managing $90M operating budgets while delivering innovative solutions to expand production capacity and brand capabilities.• Designing and implementing training programs to elevate technical knowledge and leadership across teams.• Overseeing multi-million-dollar capital projects from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals and industry standards.Dedicated to advancing operational performance and delivering world-class results in the food and beverage industry.

Experience

1. Sr Brewmaster

   AB InBev

   Jan 2019 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Servant leader of 100+ leaders and team members in Union environment. Accountable for team safety, team development, product quality, maintenance execution, and P&L performance of Brewing Department. AB InBev North American Safety record holder (brewery with most hours worked without a recordable injury).Achieved highest monthly and annual Sensory KPI scores at Houston Brewery.Achieved AA+ rating in BRC Food Safety Program. Managed and consistently operated within $90mio operating budget. Expanded brewery brand capabilities by nearly 40% through new product implementation and achieving USDA Organic Certification.

Education

• Institute of Brewing & Distilling

  Diploma in Brewing

• University of Missouri-Columbia

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Chemical Engineering

  1994 — 1999

• Webster University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

Skills

• Process Improvement
• Management
• Engineering
• Production Planning
• Brewmaster
• Haccp
• Maintenance Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Beer
• Continuous Improvement
• Capital Projects
• Food Safety
• Six Sigma
• 5s
• Product Innovation
• Food
• Operations Management
• Process Engineering
• Sap
• Process Control
• Beverage Industry
• Root Cause Analysis
• Sensory Evaluation
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Product Quality
• Brewing
• Budget Process
• Manufacturing