Production Manager

Job Summary:

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily production operations, managing a high-performing team, and driving process efficiency through the application of Lean Six Sigma principles. This leadership role ensures safety, quality, and production goals are consistently met, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Production Manager will collaborate with cross-functional departments including Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to deliver operational excellence in a fast-paced, fresh food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision and Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and front line team members.
• Assign responsibilities, monitor performance, and ensure production targets are achieved.
• Provide training and mentorship to support employee growth and team development.
• Address personnel issues and implement accountability where needed to ensure team alignment and productivity.

Production Management

• Oversee execution of daily production plans across processing, packaging, and inventory control.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, GMPs, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor production performance and adjust staffing or equipment usage to maximize efficiency.
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure proper functioning and preventive care of equipment.
• Coordinate with warehouse and supply teams to ensure raw materials and components are staged and available to avoid delays.

Lean Six Sigma & Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, improve throughput, and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Drive and support Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize tools such as 5S, root cause analysis, and Value Stream Mapping to improve work flows.
• Track and analyze KPIs to guide data-driven decisions and optimize performance.

Quality Control

• Ensure all products meet company and regulatory quality standards.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to maintain and improve food safety and quality systems.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify risks and implement corrective actions.
• Lead root cause investigations for any quality-related deviations and ensure preventive actions are implemented.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety, ensuring strict adherence to all safety and sanitation protocols.
• Conduct regular safety training and lead by example on the production floor.
• Document and report safety incidents, and lead efforts to address root causes and prevent recurrence.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of production output, downtime, quality checks, and employee performance.
• Prepare and present daily, weekly, and monthly reports to plant leadership.
• Monitor labour and material usage and assist in cost control efforts.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3-5 years of production management experience in food manufacturing or a similar environment.
• Lean Six Sigma: Green Belt certification preferred; strong working knowledge of Lean tools is required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma practices.
• Familiarity with food safety standards (GMPs, HACCP, FDA, USDA).
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced production environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods and work in a cold or variable-temperature environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and move safely in a busy production facility.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and seasonal temperature changes.

Compensation

• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay: Competitive and commensurate with experience