Manufacturing Manager

Job Summary:

The Production Manager oversees and manages all aspects of production within the facility, ensuring the efficient, timely, and cost-effective manufacturing of food products. The role involves leading a team of production workers, maintaining equipment, managing production schedules, optimizing processes, ensuring product quality, and adhering to health and safety regulations. This position requires strong leadership, excellent problem-solving skills, and an in-depth understanding of food production systems.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Production Planning and Scheduling:

   • Assist in developing and implementing daily, weekly, and monthly production plans in collaboration with the Operations Coordinator.
   • Ensure production goals are met in terms of quantity, quality, and delivery timelines.
   • Coordinate with other departments (e.g., supply chain, logistics, warehouse, and quality) to ensure materials, ingredients, and equipment are available for production.

2. Team Leadership and Staff Management:

   • Lead, supervise, and motivate production staff to achieve production targets.
   • Provide training, guidance, and performance feedback to production employees.
   • Manage shift schedules, monitor attendance, and resolve any personnel-related issues.
   • Foster a positive and safe work environment that encourages collaboration, accountability, and high morale.

3. Process Optimization:

   • Continuously review and improve production processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.
   • Implement lean manufacturing principles and best practices to enhance workflow and minimize downtime.
   • Troubleshoot production problems and implement corrective actions as needed.

4. Quality Control:

   • Ensure that all products meet quality specifications and industry standards.
   • Monitor production to ensure adherence to product recipes, measurements, and quality parameters.
   • Coordinate with the quality assurance team to implement food safety programs and regular quality audits.
   • Address and resolve customer complaints or quality issues in a timely manner.

5. Health and Safety Compliance:

   • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
   • Oversee the implementation of food safety practices, sanitation, and workplace safety protocols.
   • Conduct regular safety training and maintain an up-to-date understanding of safety regulations.

6. Equipment and Operational Management:

   • Oversee the proper operation of all production equipment, including mixers, conveyors, and packaging machinery.
   • Work closely with the maintenance team to schedule preventive maintenance and minimize equipment downtime.
   • Ensure equipment is cleaned and sanitized as per health and safety standards and the master sanitation schedule.

7. Budgeting and Cost Control:

   • Monitor production costs, including labor, materials, and overhead, and work to meet budgetary constraints.
   • Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality or safety.
   • Report on production metrics, variances, and opportunities for improvement to senior management.

8. Reporting and Documentation:

   • Maintain accurate production records, including yield data, sanitation logs, inventory usage, and employee performance.
   • Generate regular reports on production efficiency, OEE, waste, downtime, safety, quality, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
   • Ensure compliance with all regulatory documentation requirements.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a food manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Experience with high-volume, industrial-scale production in a food setting is highly preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and direct a diverse workforce.
• In-depth knowledge of food production processes, ingredients, and quality control standards.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations (e.g., SQF, FDA, USDA, HACCP).
• Proficient in production scheduling software, Microsoft Office Suite, and basic data analysis tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and production issues quickly.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures (e.g., hot ovens, cool storage).

Working Conditions:

• Work in a large industrial food production facility.
• Requires occasional weekend or evening work to meet production deadlines or resolve urgent issues.
• Exposure to loud machinery, varying temperatures, and ingredients (flour, sugar, etc.).