Production Manager

Department: Operations / Supply Chain

Reports To: Plant Manager

Position Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations within a freeze-dried food production facility. This role oversees all production departments and stages of the freeze-drying process to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations while meeting production goals and customer expectations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong experience in food manufacturing, continuous improvement, employee development, and regulatory compliance. This position plays a key role in driving operational excellence, maintaining food safety standards, improving productivity, and fostering a positive team culture in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Core Values

The ideal candidate will demonstrate and uphold the core values of Thrive Freeze Dry:

• Continuous Improvement
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Personal Growth & Wellness
• Teamwork
• Work-Life Balance
  
  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily production activities across all manufacturing departments within the freeze-dried food production operation.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Supervise, coach, and develop production supervisors and team members to promote employee engagement, accountability, and high performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, labor efficiency, downtime, waste, and production output.
• Establish visual management systems and provide regular operational reporting to leadership.
• Promote and enforce compliance with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, sanitation, food safety, and workplace safety requirements.
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure production equipment is properly maintained and operational to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Warehouse, Maintenance, Planning, and Supply Chain teams to support operational objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, control costs, and optimize throughput.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, training, performance management, and employee relations within the department.
• Ensure effective communication across shifts and departments regarding production priorities, inventory, downtime, and operational changes.
• Support a culture focused on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain flexibility to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including occasional off-shift or weekend support as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in a food manufacturing environment required.
• Experience in freeze-dried food manufacturing preferred.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety systems including GMP, HACCP, SQF, and sanitation standards.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead through influence and collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and operational focus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.
  
  

Key CompetenciesLeadership

• Leads by example and fosters accountability, teamwork, and employee engagement.
• Coaches and develops team members to support growth and performance.
  
  

Operational Excellence

• Drives productivity, efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Uses data and KPIs to support operational decision-making.
  
  

Communication

• Communicates effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Provides clear direction and timely operational updates.
  
  

Problem Solving

• Identifies root causes and implements sustainable corrective actions.
• Demonstrates proactive decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Safety & Compliance

• Promotes a strong safety culture and ensures compliance with all food safety and workplace safety requirements.
  
  

Food Safety & Quality Responsibilities

• Maintain a high level of commitment to food safety, product quality, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with all company food safety policies, SQF requirements, GMPs, and HACCP programs.
• Immediately communicate and address any food safety, quality, or sanitation concerns.
• Hold team members accountable for adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
• Serve as backup leadership support for food safety and quality systems when necessary.
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is performed in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to temperature variations, production equipment, noise, and moving machinery.

Physical Requirements May Include

• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 40 pounds
• Occasional bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing
• Use of hands and fingers for equipment operation and computer work
• Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness for workplace safety
  
  

The position may require flexibility in schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays to support a 24/7 production operation.