Technical Production Manager

Position Summary

Production Technical Lead (PTL) is a shop‑floor position responsible for Safety, Quality and Productivity of an assigned production line/area. The PTL drives technical excellence, supports continuous improvement initiatives, trains teams on technical processes and makes time‑sensitive decision‑making to maintain compliance with regulatory and technical standards. The PTL serves as an important link in using foresight to remove roadblocks for line operators while considering daily production goals and potential scenarios.

• Serve as subject‑matter expert for food processing equipment, formulations and manufacturing methods.
• Provide direction on process optimization and equipment utilization.
• Lead troubleshooting of technical issues on the production floor.
• Facilitate NWT shift huddles, weekly "drumbeat" and other meetings to communicate performance, share challenges, solicit ideas and provide recognition.
• Through Standard Work, ensure centerline compliance; teach centerline settings, importance and deviation management.
• Provide training and coaching to front‑line operators to strengthen technical capability and ensure a safe and productive operation.
• Identify opportunities to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce waste and enhance product quality.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Safety, Quality and Cost.
• Ensure material usage and weight control is measured and at standard.
• Ensure process and equipment operate at expected rates.
• Provide technical training on equipment operation, process control and troubleshooting to reduce/eliminate minor stops, downtime and scrap.
• Recommend and implement process improvements and new technologies.
• Ensure all tasks are completed safely and in compliance with all safety policies and regulations.
• Report on all safety incidents to Operations management, Safety department or Human Resources.
• Ensure assigned employees are trained and adhering to established safety procedures for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Machine Guarding, Confined Space, Live Electrical Work, Lifting and Material Handling, Knives and other safety regulations/policies.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Company food‑safety policies.
• Use the 5S methodology to maintain good housekeeping.
• Complete or verify completion of required production, process, safety or quality documents (Production Lot Coding, GMP/HACCP paperwork).
• Collaborate with site leadership, maintenance, engineering, safety and quality teams to identify and resolve production, safety or quality challenges.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to implement new processes, equipment, product scale‑up and trials.
• Provide daily communication on productivity, safety and quality performance with front‑line operators; solicit improvement suggestions and provide recognition.
• Partner with Quality and Sanitation to ensure all regulatory and company quality standards are met.

• Education: High school diploma or GED. College coursework preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 4 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in the food industry; proven experience troubleshooting processing equipment and implementing technical solutions;
  Lean Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated Proficiency: Lead with Company Purpose and Values; punctuality and dependability; basic computer and typing skills (Microsoft Office); clear written and verbal communication; leadership through influence and coaching; adherence to safety, quality and productivity standards; ability to prepare routine reports, procedures and training materials; composure in changing environments; operation and reading of measuring devices; mechanical aptitude; basic math skills.
• Preferred Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations; advanced knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations (OSHA 10/30).

Employee is regularly required to walk, climb stairs, reach with hands and arms, stand, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, stoop, kneel or crouch, talk and hear. Must lift or move up to 10 pounds frequently and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Requires close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Must work in hot (100 °F) or cold (0 °F) environments for extended periods.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Manufacturing, Engineering, and Production

Food and Beverage Manufacturing;
Beverage Manufacturing;
Dairy Product Manufacturing