Production Systems & Continuous Improvement Manager -- SQF/ISO

• Do you thrive on balancing throughput with safety and food quality?
• Can you coach supervisors and teams while driving Lean and Six Sigma projects?
• Are you fluent in union environments and confident leading change?

• Plan, direct, and coordinate daily production operations to achieve best-in-class safety, quality, service, productivity, and profitability.
• Advance programs that protect the safety, health, security, and welfare of employees.
• Keep the plant safe, clean, and orderly through rigorous 5S and environmental compliance.
• Enforce GMPs and food-safety systems that align to standards like SQF/ISO.
• Lead all production and production-support activities consistent with company policies, values, procedures, and standards.
• Mentor and coach your team using structured problem-solving to deliver sustainable results.
• Recommend and implement technical improvements that streamline processes and reduce waste.
• Partner with customers, sales, and internal/external resources to enhance service, flow, quality, and product value.
• Execute full supervisory duties: hiring, training, work assignment, performance reviews, rewards/discipline, and resolving complaints per policy and law.

Imagine a high-demand product run with a tight delivery window. You reinforce GMP checks, confirm 5S readiness, and align staffing. Mid-shift, you facilitate a 5 Why on a micro-stoppage trend and adjust changeover standards, boosting OEE and protecting quality—all while communicating progress to sales and the customer.

You directly lead supervisors and lead personnel, plus the hourly production workforce. You are accountable for: Turnover, Service, Quality, Cost, OEE, and Waste.

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent blend of ongoing education and experience.
• 5–7 years in manufacturing leadership (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated success leading change in a union environment.
• Proven results using TQM, Lean, and/or Six Sigma to improve cost, productivity, or profitability.
• Experience working within SQF or ISO frameworks.
• Technical leadership with structured problem-solving discipline.
• Clear communication with stakeholders at every level.
• Microsoft Office proficiency and readiness to learn new systems.
• Continuous Improvement or Black Belt certification preferred.

• Leadership / People Management
• Continuous Improvement
• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience
• Six Sigma Experience
• Workplace Safety & EHS Management
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Union experience

• Lifting: minimum of 50 lbs.; Carrying: minimum of 50 lbs.
• Pulling: 2 hours; Pushing: 3 hours; Reaching above shoulders.
• Walking: 8 hours; Standing: 8 hours; Kneeling: 4 hours; Bending: 6 hours; Squatting: 6 hours; Climbing: 6 hours.
• Visual ability; Hearing ability.
• Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, push/pull levers & buttons, and operate various tools.

• Reduces the impact of plastic and paper on the environment through recycling and increased recycled content.
• Sets a high standard of industry leadership and corporate citizenship.
• Creates meaningful benefits for the environment and the community.
• Facilitates environmental action by retailers and the community.

Other duties may be assigned as business needs evolve.