Production Manager

About the role

The Food Production Manager has full operational, fiscal, and human resource responsibility for the entire Production department, which consists of three subsections—hot kitchen, cold kitchen, and tray‑setup (TSU). This individual sets the tone for the culture of the department and ensures that team members accomplish the work and treats them equitably and respectfully. This individual provides the vision and motivation for the department to improve recruitment and retention efforts. This individual consistently looks for ways to improve the operations and flow and maintains the quality and safety Newrest standards. This individual’s leadership will need to be expert with the ability to develop, train, and hold people accountable through clear expectations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Production department
• Manage and supervise the work of all employees within the department
• Provide vision and clear expectations to all team members
• Deputy Managers development to the next level of leadership
• Hold team members accountable for all expectations
• Take ownership of the operations by taking full responsibility of anything within the department
• Ensure that all carts are filled accurately in a timely manner and with high quality according to the datasheets and clients’ requirements
• Ensure that processes are as efficient as possible
• Empower team members to identify and resolve operational issues
• Bring to management’s attention any concerns and recommendations to such concerns
• Communicate with the warehouse department of any stock item needs
• Foresee needs or problems that may arise and have action plans in place to avoid production disruptions
• Clearly and confidently communicate with client representatives as needed
• Fill in as needed to maintain flow of operations
• Ensure that all processes conform to the customer and Newrest specifications
• Comply at all times with good hygiene and manufacturing practices (e.g., hazard analysis and critical control points [HACCP], FIFO)
• Carry out cleaning, washing, and sanitation of premises in accordance with cleaning plan
• Investigate and complete incidents/accidents documentation
• Enforce safety processes and legal requirements for all processes
• Ensure compliance with all applicable requirements related to product and service quality, environmental standards, food safety, and health and safety regulations
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by preventing work-related injuries and illnesses, eliminating hazards, and reducing health and safety risks
• Interview and determine the individuals to join your department
• Approve time off requests and other leaves of absences
• Perform performance reviews for all department team members
• Approve all timecards and resolve timecard discrepancies
• Mentor and coach team members and provide corrective actions as required
• Regular and timely attendance is expected for the position
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School Diploma required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in similar position, preferably in food production or other kitchen environment
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in leadership roles overseeing multiple non‑exempt employees
• Regularly required to sit, walk, talk and/or hear
• Frequently required to use hands to handle or feel
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Frequently inspect the manufacturing floor
• Exposed to noise levels that may range from moderate to loud
• Exposed to constant cold indoor environment ranging from 25‑50 °F
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience with experience in start‑up or turnaround environments
• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate with non‑exempt to upper management levels
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and operational processes
• Good knowledge of HACCP & food safety standards
• Aptitude in showing self‑initiative and follow‑through
• Detail‑oriented and ability to see big picture