diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 5be2c9c68..6fc628111 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -352,6 +352,7 @@ downstream: operator-sdk ## Generate the code changes necessary for the downstre
 
 	$(MAKE) manifests
 
+	mkdir -p costmanagement-metrics-operator/$(VERSION)/
 	rm -rf ./bundle costmanagement-metrics-operator/$(VERSION)/
 
 	$(OPERATOR_SDK) generate kustomize manifests