Production Manager - DTC CPG Frozen Foods
Company: Mortadella Head Location: Food Production Facility, Woburn, MA Department: Operations Reports To: Ownership / Director of Operations
About the Role
Mortadella Head is entering an exciting new phase of growth with the launch of our nationwide E-Commerce business, featuring frozen, chef-crafted lasagnas shipped across the country.
We’re seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations in our Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) food production facility. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for production execution, food safety, team management, inventory flow, and operational efficiency — from prep to freezer.
The right candidate has a strong food manufacturing background, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is excited to help scale a growing Direct To Consumer (DTC) food brand.
What You’ll Be Responsible ForProduction & Operations
- Oversee daily production of frozen lasagnas from prep through freezing and storage
- Build and manage production schedules aligned with E-Commerce demand and forecasts
- Ensure product consistency, portion control, yield accuracy, and quality at scale
- Improve workflows to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and control food costs
- Maintain clean, organized, and efficient production spaces
Food Safety & Compliance
- Enforce all food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP, FDA, USDA where applicable, local health codes)
- Manage temperature logs, batch tracking, labeling, and lot control
- Ensure proper freezing, storage, and cold-chain handling procedures
- Lead health inspections, audits, and documentation
- Train and retrain staff on food safety, sanitation, and SOPs
Team Leadership
- Hire, train, schedule, and manage production staff
- Lead from the floor — this is not a desk-only role
- Develop and implement SOPs and training systems
- Hold teams accountable to quality, safety, and performance standards
- Foster a positive, productive, and team-oriented culture
E-Commerce & Fulfillment Coordination
- Work closely with ecommerce, logistics, and shipping partners
- Ensure accurate order fulfillment, packaging standards, and labeling
- Align production timelines with shipping windows
- Track inventory for ingredients, packaging, and finished goods
- Support scaling efforts as nationwide demand grows
Reporting & Performance Metrics
- Track production output, labor efficiency, food cost, waste, and yields
- Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
- Communicate production needs, risks, and wins clearly to leadership
Qualifications
- Experience in food production, large commissary kitchens, or food manufacturing
- Experience with frozen foods, prepared foods, or high-volume batch cooking strongly preferred
- Experience supporting E-Commerce, DTC food brands, or national shipping a plus
- Strong working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and compliance
- Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced production environments
- Organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven
- Comfortable working hands-on in production when needed
Skills & Traits
- Strong leadership and communication skills, bi-lingual English and Spanish a plus.
- Ability to build scalable systems — not just manage daily tasks
- Calm under pressure and solutions-oriented
- Passion for food quality and operational excellence
- Tech-comfortable (inventory systems, spreadsheets, production tracking tools, AI and food production automation equipment)
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Significant growth opportunity with a rapidly expanding E-Commerce brand
- Employee discounts on Mortadella Head products
- Opportunity to help build and lead a nationwide food operation from the ground up
Why Work at Mortadella Head?
At Mortadella Head, we’re bringing Italian-American comfort food to every table — one big, saucy, overstuffed bite at a time. Born from a love of the classics and an obsession with doing things right, we make everything the old-school way: authentic recipes, homemade processes, no shortcuts. From our kitchens in New England to customers across the country, we deliver food and hospitality that feel like family.
We’re a team of hustlers, makers, and dreamers who believe in making it nice — every tray, every sandwich, every customer interaction. We bring energy, optimism, and heart to the work, stay humble enough to keep learning, and keep getting better every day. As we grow from a few beloved brick-and-mortar spots into a national brand with thriving e-commerce, we’re building something special: a company powered by great people, great food, and a promise that everyone who connects with us feels like part of the family.
Pay: $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
