Production Manager

We have a current opening for a Production Manager and are actively reviewing applications.

Ferrero USA, a leading global confectionery manufacturer with a strong track record of innovations and a great reputation for the quality of its products, is looking for a Production Manager to support our Production Operations team. The position will work out of our Somerset, NJ location and report to the Production Operations Manager.

The primary responsibility of the Production Manager is to manage production standards and efficiencies of the production floor, including direct oversight of the production team and management of the 2nd shift Production Supervisor. The Production Manager leads teams, coordinates resources, and drives continuous improvement in a fast‑paced co‑pack facility. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant production across shifts, maintaining alignment with customer requirements, food safety standards, and operational goals.

• Supervise the production line to ensure products comply with the specifications set by R&D, QA/QC Department and ensure compliance with GMP, sanitation and food safety procedures designated by the Company.
• Complete daily production schedules and ensure production schedules are executed on time and in alignment with customer requirements.
• Provide direction and leadership to the Second Shift Production Supervisor, ensuring consistent execution of production plans.
• Manage frequent product changeovers, ensuring efficiency and minimal downtime.
• Keep work areas, machines and equipment, and food storage areas clean and organized.
• Control waste and scrap by monitoring product quality and the rework process during production and product assembly to drive labor efficiencies and lower raw material costs.
• Comply with work practices by following the guidelines of OSHA standards, identifying risks, ensuring safe operation of production equipment and proper PPE usage, and promoting an injury‑free environment.
• Lead, train, and supervise production associates, line leads and assistant supervisors.
• Communicate shift performance, issues, and priorities effectively during shift handoffs and meetings.
• Monitor line performance and address downtime, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure accurate documentation for traceability and recall readiness.
• Communicate product specifications (renders, cycles, pallet configurations, etc.).
• Communicate with planning team to ensure proper production orders are entered.
• Work with warehouse Shift Lead to receive needed materials and to ensure availability of raw materials and packaging components.
• Work directly with staffing agency to hire seasonal staffing.
• Drive improvements in changeover times, line speeds, and labor utilization.

• 3–5+ years of experience in food manufacturing or food co‑packaging.
• 1–3+ years of supervisor or leadership experience.
• Bi‑lingual English/Spanish (highly preferred).
• Knowledge of production lines and machinery.
• Knowledge of stock management and production models.
• Knowledge of planning techniques.
• Knowledge and application of production performance analysis methods.
• Knowledge and application of Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation/Hygiene policies and procedures.
• Strong communications skills in a multi‑cultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to direct production employees in a proactive and positive manner.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and leadership skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technological problems.
• Demonstrated team‑building skills.
• Knowledge of production scheduling.
• Able to work with minimal supervision in a rotating shift environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools;
  Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure:
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human…