Job Description
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 Competencies
Leadership
- 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.