Production Manager

Position: Production Manager

Reports to: Director of Manufacturing

Location: Durango, CO

About Tailwind Nutrition

At Tailwind Nutrition, we’re proud to be the wind at your back! We support endurance athletes around the world with simple, complete nutrition that helps them reach their goals. Our products are clean, functional, and easy to use because we believe in keeping things simple. The same simplicity carries through to our approach as a team. We communicate clearly, focus on what matters, and strive to do things the right way.

We’re a people-centric company, fueled by passion for sports, our communities, and the stories our customers share. We’re also deeply committed to sustainability and stewardship of the Earth, ensuring our operations are as eco-friendly as possible. If you want to be a part of a team making a real impact, we’d love to meet you!

Job Summary:

The Production Manager at Tailwind Nutrition leads day‐to‐day manufacturing operations with calm confidence, reliable consistency, and a strong sense of integrity. You’ll work collaboratively with FSQA, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to keep communication clear, workflows aligned, and issues solved quickly and thoughtfully. This role is ideal for someone who is proactive and naturally solutions‐minded, addressing challenges before they become roadblocks. You’ll motivate the team by setting a grounded example, offering clear direction, and creating an environment where everyone can do their best work.

We’re a growing company in Durango, CO, offering a blend of hands‐on leadership and the opportunity to shape how our production environment evolves. If you value teamwork, take pride in doing things the right way, and appreciate the balance of meaningful work and time outdoors, you’ll thrive here.

Direct Reports: Production Lead, Hourly production team

Core Responsibilities:

• Supervise production team activities to ensure performance aligns with production goals and quality standards
• Manage staffing levels based on production needs and employee availability. Set expectations and hold team members accountable for being on time, engaged, and ready to work safely
• Provide appropriate onboarding and recurring training for production processes, safety standards and preparedness, equipment operation and quality control practices
• Enforce all safety protocols to maintain a safe work environment, ensuring proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and compliance with all safety standards
• Support and participate in safety and quality investigations and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Create and execute daily and weekly production plans using MRP, addressing issues that arise during the production process to ensure goals are met
• Oversee the assembly process and ensure work orders are followed accurately. Ensure timely completion of work orders and proper tracking of production progress
• Oversee and ensure regular maintenance of all production equipment. Troubleshoot any equipment issues and coordinate necessary repairs or adjustments to minimize downtime and maintain smooth operations
• Use data from production reports, machine performance, and operational metrics to guide decisions on process improvements and resource allocation
• Help identify areas for improvement within the production process, equipment, or safety protocols.
• Propose and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance production output.
• Monitor and order non-inventory items needed for production
• Participate in planning labor needs, CAPEX projects and long‐term production strategies
• Partner with Quality Assurance to maintain product integrity and respond to deviations or non‐conformances

Required:

• 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with a focus on managing or supervising teams on the production floor
• Experience in CPG, with Food and Beverage experience to the top of the list
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team, holding them accountable to performance standards.
• Working knowledge of occupational safety standards and the ability to enforce them in the workplace
• Familiarity with production planning, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality expectations
• Practical experience with equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and minimizing production downtime
• Proficiency in Excel, Gsuite, and comfort with learning new production management software

Preferred:

• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
• Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably Netsuite
• Forklift operation certification and other relevant equipment operation experience
• BS or BA degree a plus
• Experience with inventory management and coordination between production and warehouse teams

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand for long periods during production floor operations
• Requires sitting, walking, talking, hearing, and using hands and feet to operate equipment
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs

Work Environment:

• The production environment involves working with powdered ingredients, which can create dust and odors
• The noise level in the production facility ranges from light to moderate
• Wearing hair nets, beard nets, smock, and gloves in the production environment, and occasionally wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for other work

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical insurance (base plan) for full-time employees (25% dependent coverage), and 50% employer paid Dental & Vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off accrual beginning on day one
• The chance to make a significant impact on the future of a leading global sports nutrition brand in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Have the trust and autonomy to execute your role doing what you love
• The ability to fuel your own passion with our products!
• Live in a beautiful mountain community with amazing scenery and endless outdoor activities

Shift:

This position will work 10 hour shifts 4 days a week. Monday-Thursday. Some flexibility required to attend to off shift issues that require attention. This could include working some Fridays if overtime is required.

Compensation:

In compliance with Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEWA), the base salary range for this position is $80,000-$100,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Interested candidates, please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@tailwindnurtition.com. No phone calls please. Include "Production Manager" in the subject line.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as established to meet the ongoing needs of the business. Tailwind Nutrition is an “at-will” employer.

Tailwind Nutrition is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $100,000