Manufacturing Manager

About the role

The Manufacturing Manager leads and oversees all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products. This role provides leadership across all aspects of the operation, including Safety, Quality, Productivity, Employee Development, Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and coordinate personnel, equipment, and material resources to maximize safety, productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Drive achievement of daily, weekly, and monthly production objectives while ensuring adherence to customer requirements and delivery commitments.
• Establish performance expectations, monitor results, provide coaching and development, conduct performance evaluations, and administer corrective action when necessary.
• Foster a positive, engaged, and accountable work environment that promotes teamwork, employee development, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, regulatory requirements, and environmental standards while maintaining a safe and clean workplace.
• Promote a culture of safety by actively identifying hazards, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring employees follow established safety procedures.
• Ensure product quality by enforcing compliance with specifications, control plans, quality standards, and food safety requirements.
• Review production data, key performance metrics, and operational reports to identify trends, implement improvements, and drive business results.
• Resolve operational and personnel issues through effective problem-solving, collaboration, and timely decision-making.
• Manage production schedules by assigning personnel, establishing priorities, monitoring workflow, and coordinating resources to meet production targets.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Technical teams to minimize downtime and maximize equipment performance.
• Ensure efficient and accurate machine setups and product changeovers in accordance with job specifications and standard operating procedures.
• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, process optimization, and cost savings.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization to ensure alignment on production goals, challenges, and opportunities.
• Exercise authority to stop, modify, or delay production processes when product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, or employee safety may be compromised.
• Report all actual or potential food safety and quality concerns to the Quality Assurance Manager and appropriate leadership teams.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and corrective action activities as required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production management systems.
• Able to analyze data and utilize performance metrics to drive operational improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food, packaging, plastics, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Knowledge of food safety systems, GMPs, and regulatory requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 12 hours per shift.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, climb, stoop, and perform physical activities associated with a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety shoes, hearing protection, and other safety equipment as required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.