Production Manager

This position manages the daily operations of the plant that operates 24 hours/day. This position is responsible for the efficient, safe, and profitable operation of the finished products. This includes coordinating plans with scheduling, maintenance, shipping, and quality departments. Assist in coordinating and communicating an optimal production schedule. This position also has responsibility for the implementation of HACCP and quality systems.

The position is responsible for management of the ERP/M3 system for the production side of the operation.

The incumbent must establish action plans to ensure that the operation meets budgetary standards, complies with regulatory requirements for food and personnel safety, meets established customer service standards, and obtains desired production schedules while maintaining existing fiscal objectives. The incumbent is also responsible for the training and development of staff (incl. hourly and salaried personnel) as well as maintaining a positive climate for employee relations. This incumbent needs to provide dynamic, energetic, and motivational leadership to achieve operational excellence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Effective use of all resources in the packaging of finished goods and semi- products, including raw materials, labor, time, energy, and utilities.
• Create measures where needed to verify this efficiency with development and implementation of action plans for continuous improvement.
• Manage all operating expenses associated with product manufacture, including but not limited to all operating supplies and direct and indirect production labor.
• Ensure the establishment of productivity and performance goals for the department includes Corporate KPI’s.
• Train, coach, and develop supervisors and all hourly-compensated employees.
• Develop salaried and hourly staff members through coaching, mentoring, and training for growth and advancement; provide backup for salaried employee vacations/leaves.
• Develop & maintain operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot operational problems.
• Monitor & control production yields.
• Be available for consultation on plant problems 24 hours/day.
• Review the process equipment flow and recommend process flow improvements.
• Control department spending for overtime & supplies.
• Ensure minimum production efficiencies are being met and create an improvement plan.
• Create work schedule for operators.
• Conduct crew meetings on a regular basis.
• Communicate production plans and issues to off-shifts in the form of daily written notes.
• Coordinate work activities on scheduled down days to clean, repair, or modify equipment or processes.
• Evaluate subordinates in a written evaluation at least annually.
• Foster an atmosphere of teamwork, and use work groups where appropriate.

Competencies:

• Communication – Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills in dealing with those both internal and external are critical to success. Listens and gets clarification.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data.
• Root cause problem-solving techniques- Identify and resolve problems promptly; Gather and analyze information skillfully; Develop alternative solutions.
• Developing teamwork and productivity- Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Operations, or Engineering
• At least 5 years of experience in Plant and Production Supervisory positions; Experience working in a union environment a plus; Experience in the Food Industry preferred

Equipment/Software Skills:

• MS Office Suite (Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access), AS 400
• Familiarity with PLC, Warehouse Management Systems, Inventory Management Systems, Plant Automation Systems
• Must be able to interface with mainframe, general accounting, MRP, and order processing.