Production Manager

Production Manager - Atwater, CA

Target Salary Range: $110,000 to $120,000

The Production Manager plays a key role in overseeing and managing all aspects of the production process within the facility. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this position leads and coordinates production activities to ensure efficient operations, high‑quality products, and adherence to safety, regulatory, and company standards.

• Lead and oversee all production operations, including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation, to meet production targets and customer demand.
• Develop and implement production plans, strategies, and policies to optimize production efficiency, minimize waste, and improve overall performance.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams, such as procurement, maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics, to ensure seamless coordination and integration of production activities. Take initiative to lead teams across functional boundaries to impact all KPIs positively.
• Monitor production processes and quality control measures to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and product specifications. Take full responsibility for all results in the Production area.
• Analyze production data, performance metrics, and KPIs to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions or process enhancements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, lean manufacturing projects, and operational excellence programs to drive efficiency gains and cost savings. Train and organize the team to engage team members at all levels in Continuous Improvement activities. Develop huddle meetings for effective, frequent communication of results to all team members and engage them in corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and procedures for all personnel in the production area to maintain a safe working environment for all production staff and personnel with responsibility in the area, including regular safety inspections, training, and enforcement of safety policies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and other external partners to support production needs and ensure reliable supply chain operations.
• Manage and mentor production supervisors and staff, providing guidance, training, expectations, and performance feedback to foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with the Plant Manager and senior management team to develop strategic plans, goals, and budgets for the production department, and provide regular updates on departmental performance and initiatives.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as required.
• Ability to work under pressure and make decisions.

• Strong proven record of turnaround results for a complex food manufacturing operation
• Ability to operate in an ambiguous environment with very few internal processes and procedures. Willingness to build operational control procedures from the ground up.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field
• Proven experience in food manufacturing or production management, with at least 7 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of food production processes, quality management systems, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams at all levels and across functional boundaries to achieve operational excellence.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a focus on data‑driven decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in production planning and scheduling, budgeting, and cost control techniques.
• Strong background and proven track record with Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodology, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive…