Mission
Lead the transformation of VNFC's manufacturing operations by building a safe, disciplined, high-performing production environment that delivers exceptional quality, improves efficiency, develops people, and supports the company's long-term growth strategy. This role is responsible for creating structure, consistency, and operational excellence while maintaining the hands-on, entrepreneurial culture that has made VNFC successful.
Position Summary
The Production Manager is responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure products are produced safely, efficiently, and on schedule while meeting quality, cost, and productivity objectives.
This is a hands-on leadership role—not an office-based management position. The Production Manager will spend the majority of each day on the production floor coaching employees, solving problems, improving processes, coordinating schedules, and driving operational excellence.
The ideal candidate is an emerging manufacturing leader with strong organizational, analytical, and mechanical aptitude who enjoys building systems, leading people, and continuously improving operations.
Key Responsibilities
Production Leadership
- Lead daily production operations across all manufacturing areas.
- Provide visible, hands-on leadership on the production floor.
- Coach, develop, and hold production employees accountable for safety, quality, attendance, and performance.
- Execute production schedules while maintaining a safe and positive work environment.
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop daily and weekly production schedules based on customer demand and inventory requirements.
- Forecast labor needs and balance resources across production lines.
- Coordinate priorities with Procurement, Warehouse & Logistics, and Customer Service. Monitor schedule attainment and adjust plans to minimize downtime and bottlenecks.
Operational Excellence
- Standardize work instructions and manufacturing processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, waste reduction, labor efficiency, and quality.
- Track and analyze production metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
- Support implementation of automation and new manufacturing equipment.
Equipment & Maintenance
- Apply strong mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot production equipment.
- Coordinate preventative maintenance activities.
- Recommend practical process and equipment improvements.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with Procurement and Warehouse & Logistics to ensure material availability.
- Work closely with Quality to maintain food safety and product integrity.
- Support new product launches and process commercialization.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
3–10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in food manufacturing. Experience supervising hourly production employees.
Production planning and scheduling experience.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and production systems.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to use data to improve performance.
- Mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving ability.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Food manufacturing experience.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- ERP/MRP experience.
- Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and SQF.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
