Food Production Manager

Lead Operations. Drive Excellence. Build High-Performing Teams.

Are you a proven manufacturing leader who thrives in fast-paced production environments? We're seeking an experienced Production Department Manager to lead our production and sanitation teams, champion operational excellence, and help shape the future of our facility.

In this critical leadership role, you'll have the opportunity to influence safety, quality, productivity, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation. We are looking for someone who is passionate about coaching teams, creating a culture of accountability, and delivering measurable results.

What You'll Do

• Lead and inspire production and sanitation teams to achieve world-class performance.
• Establish a clear vision, direction, and expectations that promote employee engagement and operational success.
• Partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and other departments to achieve business objectives.

• Champion a culture where safety and food safety are non-negotiable priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Promote ongoing training, accountability, and continuous improvement in safety and quality programs.

• Drive plant performance through data-driven decision-making and operational excellence initiatives.
• Analyze production, downtime, and efficiency metrics to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Lead daily management systems, KPI reviews, floor huddles, and shift-change communications.
• Develop and execute strategies that improve productivity, efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness.

• Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop high-performing leaders and team members.
• Coach supervisors and frontline leaders to maximize engagement, accountability, and performance.
• Foster a positive culture focused on teamwork, development, and results.

• Develop and maintain standardized work procedures for:
• Equipment startup and shutdown
• Changeovers
• Equipment operation and troubleshooting
• Sanitation procedures
• Housekeeping and workplace organization
• Ensure best practices are consistently followed throughout the department.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on plant performance and culture.
• Visible leadership role with direct influence on operational strategy.
• Growth-oriented environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Collaborative leadership team committed to employee development and success.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

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·        What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's Degree required; technical or engineering discipline preferred.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or food processing environments.
• Proven success managing large production teams and delivering operational results.
• Demonstrated experience improving safety performance, food safety compliance, quality systems, and operational efficiency.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data to drive business decisions.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Excel, databases, and reporting systems.

• Beverage or bottling manufacturing experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
• Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence experience.
• Experience managing multi-shift manufacturing operations.

What Makes You Successful

• You lead by example and build trust at every level of the organization.
• You balance people development with operational results.
• You are proactive, adaptable, and solution-oriented.
• You excel in fast-paced environments and embrace continuous improvement.
• You have a passion for building strong teams and developing future leaders.

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Manufacturing environment that may be hot, humid, wet, and fast-paced.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules and extended hours as business needs require.
• Frequent presence on the production floor to support employees and operations.