Production Manager - 1st Shift

Production Manager

The Production Manager is responsible for ensuring high performance execution of plant production activities across multiple shifts and departments to produce high-quality grain-based food products that meet established quality, customer service, safety, innovation, and cost metrics consistent with schedules and policies. The role requires systems and processes to provide optimal cost savings and efficient production. The role will carry out activities with reliability, integrity, compliance, and in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner.

• Drive safety initiatives, including monthly safety training, observation audits, daily employee toolbox meetings, and near‑miss/root cause analysis.
• Develop, supervise, and coach salary and hourly operation team members using core values and guiding principles.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, quality specifications, safety standards, and sanitation practices.
• Develop and execute plans on a weekly and monthly basis to achieve cost efficient and accurate packaging, warehouse operations, and bulk loading processes.
• Maintain asset reliability by working closely with the reliability team on preventative care and operator care activities.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, including Centerlining, Preventative Maintenance, Pristine, 5S, and ELEMEDS.
• Drive improvement and efficiency through GAP analysis and metric‑based monitoring.
• Participate in and lead team through customer issue follow‑up and corrective actions.
• Leverage computer systems and automation processes across the facility for production efficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree or High School diploma/GED equivalent with 4 years of production experience.
• Minimum of 2 years leadership experience in an industrial environment (milling, agricultural, food production, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience leading others, including performance management, coaching, and development within a production environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to implement LEAN practices and tools to improve processes.
• Experience managing projects and driving data‑based decision making.
• Good to have: 3+ years of production leadership experience.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, tools, trends, and best practices.

Ability to perform work at a computer and other administrative/managerial tasks; ability to wear PPE; work a rotating schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays; work in a continuous 24/7 process in hot/cold, dusty, noisy, vibrating environments; standing, walking, bending, twisting, kneeling, and occasional lifting/shoveling/pushing/pulling; work in confined or elevated spaces; ability to read, interpret instruction and technology, and communicate effectively in English.

Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Commerce City, CO 80022 (4545 East 64th Ave, Commerce City, CO)

Full time.

Starting range: $86,200.00 – $ with additional earning potential and incentive eligibility. Bonus – OIP, 10% annual.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Health and Dependent Savings Accounts
• Life and Disability Programs
• Voluntary Benefit Programs
• Company Sponsored Wellness Programs
• Retirement Savings with Company Match
• Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE)

At Ardent Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members. Decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, or political affiliation.