Production Manager

Overview:

The Production Manager leads daily operations, overseeing multiple shifts and large, dynamic teams. This role ensures the execution of production plans while optimizing labor productivity, maintaining product quality, yield, and freshness, and driving continuous process improvement through cross-functional collaboration to support Fresh Cuts operational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Operations & Leadership

Lead daily manufacturing operations across AM and PM production shifts.

Manage and direct large production teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Allocate and adjust labor daily based on production needs and operational constraints.

Drive execution, accountability, safety, and quality on the production floor.

Production Planning & Execution

Ensure strict adherence to the approved daily plan, driving execution without unnecessary changes or re-planning.

Coordinate closely with Supply Chain and Maintenance to ensure readiness of materials and equipment.

Actively drive plan adherence by identifying execution gaps, removing constraints, and implementing corrective actions to ensure production targets are met.

Lead production teams to execute the plan, proactively adjusting labor, sequencing, and resources to ensure delivery despite daily operational changes and corrective actions to deliver the plan with minimal deviation.

Process Improvement & Productivity

Drive labor efficiency through process analysis, time studies, and line balancing.

Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to identify and eliminate waste.

Use structured problem-solving tools (Pareto, Ishikawa, root cause analysis) to improve productivity.

Resources, Equipment & Materials

Ensure availability of tools, machinery, and fresh raw materials required for production.

Partner with Maintenance on equipment reliability and preventive maintenance.

Maintain the right balance between output, product quality, yield, and freshness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Maintain strong communication with Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Merchandising, and Facilities.

Support new product introductions and operational projects from a manufacturing perspective.

Cost, Safety & Performance

Control labor efficiency, overtime, and operational costs.

Promote a strong safety and food safety culture.

Monitor key operational KPIs and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

High experience of manufacturing operations, preferably in food processing.

Proven experience managing multi-shift production and large hourly teams.

Strong background in process improvement, labor optimization, and Lean Manufacturing.

Hands-on experience with production planning in dynamic environments.

ERP experience required (Dynamics preferred).

Advanced Excel skills; Power BI for reporting a plus.

Core Competencies

Strong floor leadership and execution focus.

Comfortable making decisions under pressure.

Analytical, structured, and improvement driven.

Clear communicator with high ownership and accountability.

Professional proficiency in both English and Spanish.

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