Production Manager

Department: Production

Location: New York – Huntington Station

Compensation: $73,000 – $100,000 per year

Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for leading the daily operations of the Production department, ensuring objectives are achieved safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements. This role provides leadership to Production Supervisors, Leads, and Production Support employees while overseeing production planning, staffing, quality, inventory, and operational performance across kitchen, packaging, and related production functions. The manager evaluates performance through key performance indicators, identifies opportunities to improve productivity and reduce waste, and supports the execution of manufacturing goals while developing future leaders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Production Operations: Lead day‑to‑day manufacturing operations (kitchen, packaging, and production); develop, monitor, and adjust production schedules; allocate resources, staffing, equipment, and materials to maximize efficiency; monitor performance and implement corrective actions.
• Leadership & Employee Development: Oversee scheduling and work delegation; coach and develop Production Supervisors, Leads, and Support staff; manage hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning; conduct performance reviews and recognition activities; foster a positive, accountable, safety‑focused work environment.
• Quality, Compliance & Food Safety: Ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs, GMPs, food‑safety and sanitation standards, and state regulations; oversee quality‑assurance and quality‑control activities; review production records, digital logs, batch documentation, and quality data; ensure proper handling, storage, and traceability of products and ingredients.
• Production Planning: Create and submit monthly Production and Dosing Plans; collaborate with Supply Chain, Inventory, and Planning teams to secure raw materials and supplies; monitor inventory levels, yields, and material usage; support inventory accuracy through cycle counts and reconciliations.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze production metrics to identify process‑improvement opportunities; lead initiatives to increase productivity, improve quality, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency; support implementation of new equipment, technologies, and manufacturing processes; assist in developing and improving SOPs.
• Communication & Administration: Prepare and review production reports, operational metrics, and performance data; collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Warehouse, and other departments to resolve issues; communicate priorities and updates to teams and leadership; partner with cross‑functional teams on new product launches and manufacturing initiatives.
• Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned based on business needs.

Qualifications

The qualifications below represent the knowledge, skills, education, experience, and abilities required to perform this role successfully.

Education & Experience

• At least 3 years of directly related experience and/or training in an automated food manufacturing, packaging, or warehouse environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 1 year in a Lead, Keyholder, Supervisor, or similar role (preferred).
• Experience working with a high sense of urgency in a team environment or independently.
• Ability to understand and comply with sanitation, food‑safety, and safety regulations.

Ability & Technical Skills

• Strong communication skills with the ability to lead peers and communicate across teams.
• Ability to work with urgency while maintaining accuracy in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating effectively in English.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Professional handling of confidential and sensitive information.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and work‑management tools such as Slack, Jira, or similar platforms.
• Willingness to travel occasionally between company buildings or work sites as needed.

Certifications & Compliance

• Must be at least 21 years of age, as required by applicable state regulations.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check, where permitted by law.
• Obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, certifications, or registrations required by federal, state, provincial, or local laws.
• ServSafe Certification or Food Handler’s Card is preferred, where applicable.
• Compliance with all company safety, sanitation, quality, and food‑safety policies at all times.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $73,000 – $100,000 per year plus bonuses.
• 11 paid holidays.
• 120 hours of PTO.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance.