Production Manager (Food Manufacturing & SQF Lead)

Benefits:

401(k) Bonus based on performance Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Production Manager - Food Manufacturing (SQF Environment)

Location:

Elizabeth, NJ Environment:

Fast-paced, temperature-controlled (cold chain) food manufacturing

Compensation:

$115,000 - $125,000 +

Performance Bonus Position Overview:

We are seeking a high-caliber Production Manager to stabilize and lead day-to-day manufacturing operations during a critical phase of growth. This is a hands-on, floor-first leadership role focused on bringing structure, accountability, and consistency to a fast-moving production environment. You will ensure production output aligns with demand while maintaining strong food safety and SQF compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

I.

Production Planning & Execution:

Plan and oversee daily and weekly production schedules aligned with demand forecasts Ensure production meets demand without overproduction while minimizing bottlenecks Track and analyze KPIs including OEE, labor efficiency, downtime, and waste reduction Coordinate with Warehouse and Logistics to align production timing with storage and distribution needs II. Food Safety & SQF Compliance (Core Focus): Act as the primary production-side contact during SQF audits, working closely with Quality/SQF leadership Support audit readiness, documentation follow-up, and corrective actions (CAPAs) Enforce GMPs, HACCP standards, sanitation procedures, and allergen controls on the production floor Drive a culture where food safety and compliance are embedded in daily operations III.

Team Leadership & Development:

Lead and develop Production Supervisors across multiple shifts Drive accountability, performance consistency, and team discipline Establish and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all shifts Promote a strong safety culture aligned with OSHA and food safety standards IV.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement:

Partner with Maintenance to plan preventive maintenance without disrupting production flow Identify inefficiencies in equipment, layout, and workflow Recommend and support implementation of improvements to increase efficiency and reliability

Required Qualifications:

Minimum 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing At least 2+ years in a Production Management role (managing supervisors or managers) Strong knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and FSMA requirements Experience working in high-volume, cold-chain (frozen or refrigerated) environments Strong leadership, problem-solving, and team management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with ERP/MRP systems for production scheduling Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred

Why Join Us:

Opportunity to lead and stabilize operations during a high-growth phase Direct impact on production structure, efficiency, and team performance Work closely with leadership on operational improvements and long-term strategy Be part of building a scalable, SQF-driven manufacturing environment