Production Manager - Kitchen - Full Time

We are a cooperative; cooperation is at the heart of everything we do. At our Co-op, we believe cooperation means creating space for everyone. We strive to bring individuals together from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences to achieve shared goals. We practice kindness and foster a workplace where respect,  acceptance, equity, honesty, and belonging are more than values, they are lived every day.

Why? Because connection strengthens us. It helps us build the ecosystem we want to work in and be part of.

And…because kindness matters! Kindness nurtures community, and communities thrive when we all work together. If you’re passionate about community and making a difference, we’d love to work with you.

Position Overview:

The Production Manager oversees the daily operations of the Co-op Kitchen, ensuring efficient operation, growth, profitability, and a high level of customer satisfaction in line with the Kitchen’s vision, as well as stated goals and policies.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Direct the daily operations of the Kitchen:
   1. Staffing and scheduling
   2. Ordering and inventory management
   3. Food production and packaging
   4. Shipping and receiving
   5. Team camaraderie and internal customer service
2. Prioritize and balance competing demands effectively:
   1. Encourage and enable team members to find solutions to problems
   2. Delegate leadership tasks to empower team members to grow
   3. Build and maintain efficient operational procedures and processes
3. Direct and assist the production team in producing consistent, high-quality products that align with the Kitchen’s vision and product/ingredient standards
4. Collaborate with the Kitchen Location Manager and Administrative Assistant to ensure purchase orders meet or exceed budgeted sales to the food stores
5. Provide a leadership role in the development of new recipes:
   1. Research and develop trending recipes
   2. Align recipe development with the Kitchen’s vision and SOP’s
   3. Involve team members in the recipe development/testing process
   4. Collaborate with the Kitchen Location Manager, Associate Director, and Marketing
6. Train, coach, supervise, and motivate the Co-op Kitchen department staff:
   1. Set performance goals and standards for the Kitchen team
   2. Foster teamwork and trust
   3. Resolve staff issues, elevating employee relations issues to the Kitchen Location Manager when necessary
   4. Carry out appropriate personnel actions in a timely manner and according to Co-op policies (reviews, disciplinary actions, etc.)
7. Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with the Kitchen’s vendors, with an emphasis on local and regional growers, producers, and distributors
8. Ensure compliance with safety and food safety standards:
   1. Local, State, and Federal regulations and guidance
   2. Co-op policies and procedures
9. Assume the duties of the Kitchen Location Manager in their absence
10. Participate in meetings and trainings for the purpose of maintaining Co-op standards
11. Adhere to all Co-op policies, procedures and employee code of conduct
12. Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Experience and Attributes:

1. 3-5 years of experience in kitchen management, or similar
2. Experience with or willingness to learn recipe/production software programs
3. Ability to apply best practices in managing food production within budget and on time
4. Experience in hiring, training, and overseeing production staff
5. Food Safety Certification, i.e. Serve Safe or equivalent required, or must be obtained within 6-months of hire
6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
7. Able to handle tense conversations and ongoing uncomfortable exchanges
8. Strong attention to detail
9. Excellent follow through
10. Willing to hold others accountable

Attendance Requirements:

Monday through Friday daytime hours with flexibility to shift hours to meet production demands. Some evenings and weekends required with advanced notice.

Salary : $25 - $38