Production Operations Manager gtl

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee all aspects of food production operations, including planning, staffing, scheduling, equipment, and workflow.

Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, quality standards, and internal policies.

Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and line staff to ensure high performance and accountability.

Monitor and respond to key production metrics (yields, throughput, downtime, labor efficiency, waste).

Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Procurement, and Logistics teams to ensure seamless operations.

Analyze production data to identify areas for cost reduction, process improvement, and increased efficiency.

Manage staffing levels to meet production demand while optimizing labor costs.

Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Ensure proper maintenance, cleanliness, and safe operation of all production equipment.

Promote and enforce a culture of safety and regulatory compliance throughout the facility.

Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Experience and Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; or equivalent work experience.

5+ years of experience in a food production or manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management capacity.

Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, food safety regulations, and third-party audit compliance.

Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop frontline teams.

Solid problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.

Proficiency with production planning software, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), and Microsoft Office.

Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks is preferred.

Key Competencies:

Leadership & People Management

Builds, motivates, and develops high-performing teams.

Delegates effectively and fosters a culture of ownership and accountability.

Operational Excellence

Strong understanding of batching, cooking, packaging, and sanitation processes.

Uses KPIs to drive productivity and performance improvements.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Expert knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, FDA/USDA regulations, and audit readiness.

Planning & Organization

Manages production schedules and labor allocation efficiently.

Prioritizes and adapts quickly in a high-speed manufacturing environment.

Communication & Collaboration

Communicates effectively across all levels of the organization.

Works cross-functionally with QA, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and R&D.

Problem Solving & Decision-Making

Identifies root causes and delivers practical, data-informed solutions.

Technical Proficiency

Skilled in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and production analytics tools.

Quality Focus

Maintains high quality standards and ensures consistency in product output.

Safety & Risk Management

Promotes safety culture and leads by example in compliance and risk mitigation.

Adaptability & Resilience

Thrives in a fast-paced, change-oriented production environment.