Position Summary
El Matador Foods is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee daily operations within our tortilla and snack production facility. This role is responsible for driving production efficiency, managing staff, ensuring food safety compliance, and achieving operational and financial performance goals.
The Production Manager plays a critical leadership role in maintaining product quality, minimizing downtime, and ensuring a safe, high-performing work environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Operations & Production Management
Oversee all daily production activities including tortilla and chip production lines
Ensure production targets, yield, and quality standards are consistently met
Monitor equipment performance and coordinate with maintenance to minimize downtime
Implement and improve production processes, systems, and efficiencies
Analyze production data and identify opportunities for cost reduction and performance improvement
Staff Leadership & Workforce Management
Supervise, train, and develop production supervisors and hourly staff
Lead hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training of team members
Enforce company policies, safety standards, and performance expectations
Conduct employee performance reviews and provide coaching and corrective action as needed
Manage scheduling including:
Shift coverage
Overtime control
Breaks and rotations
Coverage for absences
Food Safety & Compliance
Ensure strict adherence to GMP, food safety, and sanitation standards
Maintain compliance with OSHA and company safety protocols
Partner with QA to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance
Lead corrective actions related to safety, quality, or operational issues
Financial & Operational Accountability
Manage department budgets, labor costs, and production expenses
Monitor KPIs including:
Production output
Labor efficiency
Waste and yield
Downtime
Develop and execute action plans to meet or exceed financial goals
Process Improvement & Reporting
Analyze workflow, identify operational gaps, and implement improvements
Lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste
Prepare and present production reports to senior leadership
Communicate regularly with upper management on plant performance
Problem Solving & Escalation
Address and resolve complex production and personnel issues
Provide leadership during equipment failures, staffing shortages, or operational disruptions
Ensure consistent decision-making aligned with company policies
Additional Responsibilities
Approve department-level expenditures within authority
Lead and conduct production meetings
Support cross-functional coordination with maintenance, HR, and leadership
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
3–5+ years of production management experience in food manufacturing (tortilla, bakery, snack, or similar preferred)
Proven leadership experience managing teams in a high-volume production environment
Strong understanding of:
Production processes
Labor management
Equipment utilization
Ability to read and interpret production, labor, and financial reports
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Required Experience
Tortilla, masa, bakery, or snack production
Experience with lean manufacturing or process improvement systems
Exposure to automated production lines and high-speed equipment
Work Schedule & Environment
Flexible schedule required, including:
Early mornings
Evenings
Weekends
Holidays
Fast-paced food production environment with exposure to:
Heat (ovens/fryers)
Machinery
Production noise
Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000 (based on experience)
Production goals
Labor control
Waste reduction
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
