SUMMARY: To manage the planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling of operations to achieve plant safety, profit, productivity, and quality objectives. The production manager provides leadership to supervisors and operators in the processing, filling and packaging departments. The production manager is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of these departments. The production manager will carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company’s policies and applicable laws including: interviewing, hiring and training employees: planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. The production manager will be called upon to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment in his/her management decisions.

This position is also responsible for food safety and quality procedures in order to maintain a quality and safe product.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Partner with Quality Assurance, executing and supporting all Quality programs that ensure the production of Safe, Quality Foods.
• Ensure safety compliance in all areas of operation.
• Hire, responsibly direct, review, counsel all employees within the department.
• Ensure plant compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations as related to production, (includes OSHA, EPA, FDA, USDA, EEO, etc.).
• Monitor and enforce established GMP and OSHA regulations.

• Implement, execute and ensure compliance of sanitation, allergen, food defense and HACCP programs
• Establish objectives and goals to maintain the sanitation and operation of the plant to reflect the quality image of the company.
• Keep accurate reports and records of plant operational performance against standards including efficiency, waste, safety, and quality measures.
• Direct the planning and scheduling of necessary personnel, machinery and equipment, and process controls to achieve plant goals and optimal costs.
• Understand the plants manufacturing capabilities and mange all phases of the plant operations so that production of quality cases/hour is maximized.
• Evaluate new hires, ensure that evaluations are prepared and conducted for all new employees.
• Know company policies and enforce them effectively and in a timely manner.
• Develop and implement leadership development and coaching plans for supervisors and leads.
• Prepare performance evaluations of employees.

• Maintain product formulation integrity.
• Understand, develop, and refine production SOPs and sanitation SSOPs to minimize cost and improve employee performance and education.
• Monitor and maximize direct labor cost at every opportunity to ensure the lowest possible cost per case.
• Meet production schedule and order deadlines.
• Prepare schedules and coordinate activities to ensure production and quality of production.
• Inspect production equipment to ensure specific operational performance and optimal utilization.
• Review and analyze production and operating reports to resolve operational, manufacturing and maintenance problems to ensure minimal cost.
• Monitor compliance with QA requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all training and development standards.
• Work with the QA, HR and the training supervisor to develop and/or revise standard operational and working practices and observes workers to ensure compliance with standards.
• Manage and communicate KPIs.
• All other duties as assigned by the Production Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or related experience preferred.

Experience: 10 – 15 years of experience in production and operations management. Experience with consumer products, focusing on the food industry helpful.

5 – 10 years of production and supervisory experience.

Experience implementing process improvements and best practices.

Skills: Sound management skills with a history of success stories in a leadership role.

Self-motivated and willing to learn.

Control understanding and execution

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proficient with Microsoft office suite.

SECONDARY SUPPORT: In the event of an absence, the duties of this position will be covered by the Production Manager, who has been successfully trained on the functions of Shift Manager.

RELATIONSHIPS: Works closely with manufacturing, packaging and support department leadership, logistics, quality, maintenance, engineering, R&D, sourcing and human resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach, stretch, stoop, bend, use hands and fingers and climb stairs. This job requires the employee to be able to read, write and communicate verbally in English. The employee must be able to hear and have color vision.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.