Production Manager

Production ManagerDepartment:

Operations /

Supply ChainReports To:

Plant ManagerPosition SummaryThe Production Manager is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations within a freeze-dried food production facility. This role oversees all production departments and stages of the freeze-drying process to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations while meeting production goals and customer expectations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong experience in food manufacturing, continuous improvement, employee development, and regulatory compliance. This position plays a key role in driving operational excellence, maintaining food safety standards, improving productivity, and fostering a positive team culture in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Core ValuesThe ideal candidate will demonstrate and uphold the core values of

Thrive Freeze Dry:

Continuous ImprovementAccountabilityIntegrityPersonal Growth & WellnessTeamworkWork-Life BalanceEssential Duties & ResponsibilitiesLead and manage daily production activities across all manufacturing departments within the freeze-dried food production operation.

Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives.

Supervise, coach, and develop production supervisors and team members to promote employee engagement, accountability, and high performance.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.

Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, labor efficiency, downtime, waste, and production output.

Establish visual management systems and provide regular operational reporting to leadership.

Promote and enforce compliance with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, sanitation, food safety, and workplace safety requirements.

Partner with Maintenance to ensure production equipment is properly maintained and operational to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Warehouse, Maintenance, Planning, and Supply Chain teams to support operational objectives.

Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, control costs, and optimize throughput.

Manage staffing, scheduling, training, performance management, and employee relations within the department.

Ensure effective communication across shifts and departments regarding production priorities, inventory, downtime, and operational changes.

Support a culture focused on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Maintain flexibility to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including occasional off-shift or weekend support as needed.

QualificationsBachelors degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of management experience in a food manufacturing environment required.

Experience in freeze-dried food manufacturing preferred.

Proven leadership experience managing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Strong understanding of food safety systems including GMP, HACCP, SQF, and sanitation standards.

Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead through influence and collaboration.

Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and operational focus.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.

Key CompetenciesLeadershipLeads by example and fosters accountability, teamwork, and employee engagement.

Coaches and develops team members to support growth and performance.

Operational ExcellenceDrives productivity, efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Uses data and KPIs to support operational decision-making.

CommunicationCommunicates effectively across all levels of the organization.

Provides clear direction and timely operational updates.

Problem SolvingIdentifies root causes and implements sustainable corrective actions.

Demonstrates proactive decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

Safety & CompliancePromotes a strong safety culture and ensures compliance with all food safety and workplace safety requirements.

Food Safety & Quality ResponsibilitiesMaintain a high level of commitment to food safety, product quality, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.

Ensure compliance with all company food safety policies, SQF requirements, GMPs, and HACCP programs.

Immediately communicate and address any food safety, quality, or sanitation concerns.

Hold team members accountable for adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.

Serve as backup leadership support for food safety and quality systems when necessary.

Work Environment & Physical RequirementsThis position is performed in a food manufacturing environment with exposure to temperature variations, production equipment, noise, and moving machinery.

Physical requirements may include:

Standing and walking for extended periodsFrequent lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 40 poundsOccasional bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbingUse of hands and fingers for equipment operation and computer workAbility to maintain visual and auditory awareness for workplace safetyThe position may require flexibility in schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays to support a 24/7 production operation.