Production Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will hold a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of production to ensure the efficient, consistent, and safe production of our delicious desserts. Key responsibilities include managing a team of production staff, coordinating production schedules, and maintaining the highest quality standards.

The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in the company, and will have the abilities to cultivate a positive and respectful work atmosphere that values teamwork, quality, food safety, and employee safety. Above all, we want somebody who is fun to work with and makes us better at what we do.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., food science, manufacturing management, MBA, or related field) or a year-for-year equivalent experience in lieu of the degree.
• Proven experience in food manufacturing, preferably in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, quality control, and safety standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in using computer software for production planning and reporting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Technical / maintenance aptitude: While direct experience in a maintenance role is not a prerequisite, a solid foundation in the technical aspects of manufacturing operations is essential. Must possess a mechanical aptitude and demonstrate ability to work effectively with complex manufacturing equipment.

Primary Responsibilities

• In charge of all daily production, first in - last out. Expected to be on-site if production is running.
• Pursue the reduction of 8 wastes through continuous improvement each day.
• Ensure smooth operation of the production line with a focus on safety, quality, and driving value to the customer.
• Develop and manage production schedules in collaboration with planning teams to meet customer demand and optimize resources.
• Oversee inventory management of raw materials and packaging supplies for uninterrupted production.
• Implement and uphold stringent quality control standards.
• Enforce safety protocols and regulations, promoting and encouraging a safety first culture
• Coach and train production and supervisory staff, enhancing their leadership skills and performance; develop succession plans.
• Responsible for tracking production and staffing KPIs; Prepare detailed production reports including performance metrics and quality data.
• Promote a culture of transparency by fostering an atmosphere where problems are openly discussed.

• Total ownership of the daily supervisor meeting at 5:30am.
• Total ownership of the daily all staff production circle meeting at 6:05am.
• Key member of the Executive Leadership Team (L10) and Food Safety team.
• Manages task completion for the annual third-party food safety audit prep process.

What Success Looks Like

• Alignment with the company's core values.
• Unwavering reliability; Tasks are completed the first time, every time.
• Quarterly, and annual goals are completed at 90% or greater.
• Production details are always accounted for.
• Mechanical mindset: Able to understand and effectively work with complex production equipment.
• Possesses a “coaching mentality”; knows how to develop and support team members in their growth.
• Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to food safety and quality by working closely with the company’s leadership team to ensure that high-quality, wholesome products are being produced.
• Continuous improvement in production with increasing efficiencies and less downtime.
• Accountable for timely and complete production of product, finished goods packaging, and sanitation operations.
• Monitors, analyzes and provides solutions to manufacturing challenges or problems.
• Exceptional paper and digital log quality and completion by production staff.
• Excellent working relationship with R&D to bring new items from testing to full production.
• Enjoys working in a collaborative, fast-paced, people focused environment.
• Able to adapt quickly to changes.
• Enjoys solving hard problems and seeing the team learn, grow and innovate.
• Collaborates well with the People and Culture team to hire Production Associates, facilitate regular employee evaluations, and address HR issues among team members.

Key Relationships

• Reports to the Director of Operations. Directly supervises Production Supervisors and Production Leads. Works closely with Warehouse Manager, FSQA Manager, HR Manager, Sanitation Manager, Purchasing Manager.