Production Manager II

About the role

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider, serving national and international retailers and Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are produced in Europe, North America, and Australia and distributed worldwide. The Production Manager II drives and manages the production process and team at the facility, ensuring efficient production in desired quality and quantity while exceeding key performance indicators for safety, environment, quality, customer service, and cost.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
• Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
• Lead and direct the work of other employees and have responsibility for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
• Provide training, direction and instruction and conduct performance evaluations.
• Provide guidance and training on work standards and expected outcomes.
• Account for planning and evaluating performance, staff training and development, recruitment and may contribute to pay recommendations.
• Conduct daily meetings as required with direct reports to identify and resolve issues.
• Collaborate closely with all departments to improve quality, drive efficiencies, increase yields, and eliminate out-of-specification or damaged products.
• Foster a positive team environment to promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Possess a practical understanding of SQF and HACCP and address inquiries related to both.
• Read, comprehend, and adhere to a production manufacturing schedule; effectively communicate issues or deviations with the appropriate parties and respond to inquiries.
• Mobilize resources and lead efforts to reduce unscheduled downtime.
• Follow all Quality Control and Production line standard operating procedures.
• Perform minor machine maintenance as well as daily and weekly preventive maintenance.
• Conduct required GEMBA walks through the plant.
• Support and encourage a culture of Refresco Values.
• Develop strategies focused on energy and waste minimization.
• Participate in the development of the annual department budget & strategic long-term planning.
• Develop and communicate business results as required.
• Support Safety Committee with their goals to promote a strong safety-focused culture.
• Perform as back up to the Plant Leadership as required.

Required Skills

• Proven leadership experience in a high-speed beverage production environment preferred.
• Ability to independently and efficiently operate and troubleshoot required manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure.
• Organized and detail oriented, adaptable to change.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and PowerPoint.

Competencies

• Leadership – Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, lead courageously on a day-to-day basis, and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
• Quality – Understanding of quality standards and requirements for manufactured products, implementation of quality control measures to ensure product consistency and reliability, collaboration with quality team to address related issues.
• Continuous Improvement – Lead department process improvement through lean principles, team feedback, and CI events (Kaizen).
• Troubleshooting – Skilled in resolving process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and waste.
• Documentation Skills – Accurately record production data and maintain organized records.
• Safety and Compliance – Ensure OSHA, environmental, and corporate compliance. Timely and accurate completion of monthly Alchemy training.
• Communication Skills – Communicate effectively with direct reports and all levels of the organization. Collaborates to ensure smooth workflow. Follows equipment down-time escalation process.
• Decision Making & Judgment – Make informed decisions with sometimes limited data, learning from outcomes.
• People Management – Coach others regardless of performance level; help others identify key goals and use their talents to achieve those goals; build relationships; offer praise and recognition.
• Ownership – Proactively take initiative and responsibility for tasks and challenges, demonstrating independent thinking.
• Problem Solving Skills – Develop creative solutions, evaluate results, and incorporate feedback for continuous improvement.
• Time Management – Optimize production schedules by prioritizing tasks and minimizing downtime to meet deadlines.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field, with focus on Operations Management preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years relevant work experience within a high-speed manufacturing environment, preferably beverages.
• Functional experience in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TPM, etc. are assets.

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight and holidays may be required.
• Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised, with clear production targets and schedules to meet.
• Floor Presence Expectation: minimum of 50%
• Travel Requirements: Rarely
• Physical Requirements:
  • Visual/Sensory – Attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
  • Coordination and Dexterity – Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise control of equipment.
  • Mental Stress – Pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
• Well-being Benefit Discount and Total Reward Programs