Production Manager

The Production manager provides overall leadership for manufacturing departments in the areas of safety, productivity, quality, cost, equipment, and engagement. Through subordinates, monitors, and evaluates the production process and recommends methods to optimize product yields, equipment operation and process control while reducing waste. Engages all employees in continuous improvement and fosters a positive work environment while developing a culture of ownership and accountability.

Responsibilities

Establish leadership and set the strategic direction for the manufacturing team; Manage team of both hourly and exempt employees; Interpret safety policies/practices to employees, including enforcing safe work practices; Manage direct reports through regular performance reviews and developmental activities; Utilize production data to improve productivity, uptime, reliability, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and product cost; Set clear priorities and align resources to meet business and regulatory requirements in cost, financial controls, quality, safety and business initiatives; Manage product quality by communicating customer needs and ensuring standard work is followed; Determine schedules, sequences and assignments for work activities; Diagnose equipment, ingredient and packaging issues and coordinate with Engineering, Maintenance or others to solve production-related problems; Ensure each manufacturing area is maintained in accordance with SQF standards; Ensure security of employees, facilities and information systems by following and enforcing security procedures; Ensure clear and concise communication to all levels of the organization; Ensure regular safety inspections are conducted in all manufacturing areas; Drive improvements in manufacturing processes and put new systems and procedures in place; Support Continuous Improvement projects through Root Cause Analysis and other management operating systems; Assume Plant Manager responsibilities in their absence, which may include weekend and on-call duties; Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

5+ years of manufacturing experience, with a minimum of three years of experience in a management capacity OR equivalent combination of education and experience; Bachelor's degree preferred; Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred; Effective listener and team player; Strong knowledge of food manufacturing, FDA/USDA, OSHA and EPA regulations desired; Able to work effectively with others, with good interpersonal and leadership skills; Strong organizational and time management skills; Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; Highly organized, critical thinker, who can multi-task; Able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment; Strong computer skills including experience with SAP and Microsoft Office; Continuous improvement and lean manufacturing mindset with the ability to lead and support multiple projects strongly preferred; Able to read, write, and communicate orally in English; May be required to lift up to 55 lbs

Nice to have

Bachelor's degree preferred; Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred; Strong knowledge of food manufacturing, FDA/USDA, OSHA and EPA regulations desired; Continuous improvement and lean manufacturing mindset with the ability to lead and support multiple projects strongly preferred

Benefits

Medical; Dental; Vision; 401(k) with match; STD/LTD/AD&D/Life; HSA; FSA; EAP; Hospital indemnity; Accident Insurance; Identity and Fraud Protection Plan; Legal; Critical Illness; Bonus potential