Production Manager, Nights

About the role

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Manager Production is responsible for driving and managing the production process and associates at the facility while maintaining efficient production in desired quality and quantity. You will develop and lead the Plant Production team in exceeding key performance indicators for safety, environment, quality, customer service, and cost. This role builds and develops a strong team of decision makers and our organization’s next leaders.

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 (e.g., SQF).
• Lead and direct the work of employees, including hiring, performance management, and termination.
• Provide training, direction, instruction, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Provide guidance and training on work standards and expected outcomes.
• Accountable for planning and evaluating performance, staff training and development, recruitment, and may contribute to pay recommendations.
• Conduct daily meetings 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 related inquiries.
• Read, comprehend, and adhere to production manufacturing schedules, communicate issues or deviations, 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 and strategic long-term planning.
• Develop and communicate business results as required.
• Support the Safety Committee with their goals to promote a strong safety-focused culture.
• Perform as backup to the Plant Manager as required.

Requirements

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent (GED) required; undergraduate degree in a related field (e.g., Operations Management) preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant work experience within a high-speed manufacturing environment, preferably in beverages.
• Functional experience in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TPM, or similar methodologies is an asset.
• Proven leadership experience in a high-speed beverage production environment preferred.
• Ability to independently and efficiently operate and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable to change.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP, and PowerPoint.

Skills

• Leadership: Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, leading courageously, and inspiring growth with a clear vision.
• Quality: Understanding of quality standards and requirements for manufactured products, implementation of quality control measures, and collaboration with the quality team.
• 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 completion of monthly Alchemy training.
• Communication Skills: Communicate effectively with direct reports and all levels of the organization; collaborate to ensure smooth workflow; follow equipment downtime 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; 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.

Schedule

Nights, 8pm - 5am (hours may vary based on production needs). Weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnights, and holidays may be required.

Working Conditions

• Work Environment: Fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection, and temperatures can vary from very hot to relatively cold.
• Floor Presence Expectation: Minimum of 50%.
• Travel Requirements: Rarely.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Visual/Sensory: Attention to detail requiring focus 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, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term 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