Job Description
Production Manager
Location: On-Site
Department: Operations
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO) / President
Position Summary
The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all daily production operations within a USDA-inspected meat processing and wholesale distribution facility. This role ensures efficient production scheduling, labor management, inventory accuracy, food safety compliance, and cost control while meeting customer demand and maintaining the highest quality standards.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, drives continuous improvement, and effectively manages people, productivity, and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Production Operations
- Plan, organize, and oversee all daily production activities.
- Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently while meeting customer delivery deadlines.
- Monitor production throughput, yields, labor efficiency, and operational performance.
- Coordinate production priorities with Sales, Purchasing, Inventory, and Shipping departments.
- Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and all food safety regulations.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized production environment.
Inventory Management
- Manage raw material and finished goods inventory.
- Coordinate daily inventory usage with Purchasing and Warehouse teams.
- Monitor inventory accuracy and minimize product loss, waste, and shrinkage.
- Participate in cycle counts and physical inventories.
- Ensure proper product rotation (FIFO) and inventory traceability.
Labor Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain daily and weekly labor schedules based on production demand.
- Allocate labor resources efficiently across production departments.
- Monitor attendance, productivity, and staffing requirements.
- Cross-train employees to maximize workforce flexibility.
- Collaborate with Human Resources on staffing, performance management, and employee development.
Overtime (OT) Management
- Actively manage overtime to control labor costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Analyze production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to reduce unnecessary overtime.
- Review daily labor reports and identify opportunities for improved scheduling and productivity.
- Monitor labor KPIs including regular hours, overtime hours, labor cost per pound, and production efficiency.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including:
- Pounds Produced per Labor Hour
- Labor Cost per Pound
- Production Yield
- Overtime Percentage
- Schedule Attainment
- Waste and Shrink
- Inventory Accuracy
- On-Time Order Completion
Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and hourly employees.
- Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, and a positive workplace culture.
- Enforce company policies, safety procedures, and operational standards.
Budget & Cost Control
- Monitor departmental labor and operating expenses.
- Assist in preparing annual operating budgets.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and customer service.
- Support monthly operational and financial reporting.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Food Science, Business, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of production management experience in meat processing, food manufacturing, or a similar manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP, GMP, and food safety requirements.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management.
- Strong understanding of production scheduling and workforce planning.
- Demonstrated ability to manage labor costs and overtime effectively.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and production reporting.
Core Competencies
- Production Planning
- Inventory Management
- Labor Scheduling
- Overtime Management
- Food Safety Compliance
- Cost Control
- Leadership & Team Development
- Continuous Improvement
- Quality Assurance
- KPI Management
- Operational Excellence
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
Pay: From $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
