Production Manager - 3rd Shift

Location: Swedesboro, NJ
Schedule: 3rd Shift | 10:00 PM - 6:30 AM
Compensation: $100,000-$110,000 base 15% bonus
Reports to: Senior Operations Manager
Environment: Non-union | 24/7 operation

Role Overview

This is a newly added leadership role driven by business growth and increased production demand, not backfill, making it a strong long-term opportunity for someone looking to step into a visible, high-impact operations leadership position.

This leader will own all 3rd-shift production operations for multiple lines, with full accountability for safety, quality, throughput, and people leadership. The role requires a strong on-the-floor presence and the ability to lead through supervisors in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all 3rd-shift production operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent execution of production plans
• Directly manage 5 Production Supervisors, with each supervisor leading 15-20 hourly associates, technicians, operators, and general labor employees
• Serve as the primary authority on shift, making real-time decisions to resolve production, staffing, and operational issues
• Drive compliance with GMPs, food safety, quality standards, and company procedures across multiple production lines
• Monitor production performance, labor utilization, and line efficiency using data and strong analytical judgment
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including Quality, Maintenance, Planning, and Senior Operations leadership
• Communicate shift performance, risks, and improvement opportunities clearly to senior leadership
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and help scale operations as the facility continues to grow

Schedule & Flexibility

• 3rd shift: 10:00 PM - 6:30 AM
• Weekend availability required (typically one weekend day per week)
• Schedules will be either Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday
• Must be comfortable supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation and stepping in as needed for shift coverage

Background & Experience Profile

• 7-10 years of experience in food manufacturing (or closely related regulated manufacturing environments)
• 3-5 years of people leadership experience, including leading supervisors and large hourly teams
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple production lines
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to set expectations, hold teams accountable, and lead with authority
• Comfortable operating through others rather than being an individual contributor
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across levels and functions
• SAP experience is a plus
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus, not required
• Degree is not critical; proven leadership experience is far more important than title or education
• Baked goods experience is a plus

What They're Really Looking For

• Someone with true management experience, not just a lead or senior operator title
• A leader who is confident being the decision-maker on shift
• Equal strength in technical understanding and people leadership
• A hands-on leader who values floor presence and visibility with teams

Why This Role Is Attractive

• Growth-driven opening tied to expansion and scaling of the operation
• Clear runway for advancement - continue to promote internally and build out leadership bench
• High visibility role reporting directly into senior operations leadership
• Stable, non-union environment with strong process orientation
• Potential flexibility for a small sign-on or relocation assistance for the right candidate