Production Manager

Fresh & Ready Foods is a leader in fresh, ready-to-eat food manufacturing and a proud part of Compass Group. We produce high-quality, chef-crafted meals at scale, serving customers with precision, consistency, and uncompromising food safety standards. Our Middletown facility is entering an important phase of growth and operational refinement. We are seeking an experienced Senior Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations and drive performance across safety, quality, efficiency, and team development. This is a hands-on leadership role for a production professional who understands ready-to-eat food manufacturing and thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Position Overview The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all daily production activities within the Middletown facility. This leader ensures that production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with GMP, HACCP, and regulatory standards. You will lead production teams, monitor operational KPIs, and partner cross-functionally with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to maintain a disciplined, high-performing manufacturing environment. A Day in the Life Your day begins before production starts. You review staffing levels, confirm line readiness, and assess the production plan against volume expectations. Pre-shift meetings are structured and focused on safety, quality standards, and performance targets. As production progresses, you remain actively engaged on the floor. You monitor throughput, labor efficiency, downtime, and yield in real time. When challenges arise, you assess quickly, adjust resources, and maintain momentum without compromising food safety. You meet with supervisors to review performance metrics, reinforce accountability, and coach where needed. You ensure that GMP and HACCP standards are consistently practiced, not just documented. At the close of each shift, you evaluate performance against plan, identify improvement opportunities, and establish clear direction for the next production cycle. Key Responsibilities Lead daily production operations across ready-to-eat manufacturing lines Develop and execute production schedules aligned with demand forecasts Ensure full compliance with GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations Monitor and improve KPIs including throughput, yield, waste, labor efficiency, and downtime Supervise and develop production supervisors, line leaders, and frontline associates Enforce FIFO inventory management and accurate lot code and labeling practices Partner with Maintenance to support preventative and corrective equipment maintenance Oversee sanitation and regulatory compliance standards Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective action plans Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational performance Maintain accurate production documentation and reporting Qualifications Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing Direct experience in ready-to-eat or fresh prepared food production strongly preferred Demonstrated success managing high-volume production environments Strong working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and regulatory compliance standards Experience leading supervisors and large production teams Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems Ability to work in refrigerated production environments and lift up to 50 lbs Preferred Associate or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Business, Operations, or related field Experience in multi-line or commissary manufacturing operations What We Value Operational discipline and accountability Data-driven decision making Clear, consistent leadership Commitment to food safety and quality standards Ability to remain composed in a fast-paced environment Focus on developing strong, capable teams

Compensation & Benefits Pay Range:

$55,000 - $60,000 + Annual Bonus Eligibility Full-time associates are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program, and voluntary benefit options. Fresh & Ready Foods offers the opportunity to lead within a growing manufacturing operation backed by the strength and stability of Compass Group. If you are an experienced food manufacturing leader ready to drive operational excellence in a ready-to-eat environment, we invite you to apply. Fresh & Ready Foods is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and fairness.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Relocation assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person