Pack Production Manager

Location:

Pennsylvania (USA)

Employment Type:

Full-Time, Permanent
Work Arrangement:  On-site

Relocation Assistance:  Available for qualified candidates

About the Opportunity
Wetalentia is supporting a well-established food manufacturing company in the search for a Production Manager with strong technical expertise in salami production and dry-cured meat manufacturing.
This position is based at the company's manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania, and offers the opportunity to join a growing food production operation in the United States.
We are seeking a technically strong production professional who understands both traditional and industrial salami manufacturing processes and who is interested in contributing to a dynamic, international environment. Candidates currently based outside Pennsylvania should be willing to relocate or commute daily to the manufacturing facility. This role is based in the United States. We welcome applications from candidates currently based in Italy or Europe who are genuinely interested in relocation.

Immigration and relocation support may be considered for highly qualified candidates, depending on profile and eligibility. Relocation support is available for qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities
Oversee daily salami production operations, from raw material preparation through fermentation, drying, aging, and finished product release.
Manage and coordinate production personnel, line leaders, and/or production teams, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, productivity, and sanitation standards.
Monitor and control key production parameters, including:
-meat preparation and formulation
-starter cultures
-nitrate and nitrite management
-pH monitoring
-fermentation curves
-weight loss and yield control
-mold management
-drying and aging processes
Ensure proper operation and utilization of industrial meat processing equipment, including grinders, mixers, stuffers, clippers, and curing chambers.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth plant operations and product consistency.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, yield optimization, waste reduction, and process standardization.
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, HACCP standards, and internal quality procedures.
Support employee training and development within the production team.
Report operational performance, challenges, and improvement opportunities to senior leadership.
Serve as a technical reference point for salami production processes, troubleshooting, and best practices.

Required Qualifications
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in salami production, dry-cured meat manufacturing, Quality Control, R&D, or process/product development within the salami or fermented meat sector.
Direct production management experience is preferred; candidates with strong Quality Control or R&D experience and deep technical knowledge of salami production processes will also be considered.
Strong understanding of:
-meat preparation and formulation
-starter cultures and fermentation processes
-pH management
-nitrate/nitrite usage
-drying and aging techniques
-weight loss and yield monitoring
-mold management
-food safety and quality control standards
Experience working with industrial meat processing equipment.
Knowledge of HACCP and food manufacturing best practices.
Previous experience supervising or coordinating production personnel, line leaders, Quality Control teams, or cross-functional plant teams is a plus.
Willingness to relocate to the Freeland, Pennsylvania area, or commute daily to the manufacturing facility.
Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
Working knowledge of English, with the ability to communicate effectively in a plant environment.
Knowledge of Italian mandatory (native or professional proficiency)

Preferred Qualifications
Experience in medium-to-large scale cured meat or salami manufacturing.
Technical background in Food Science, Food Technology, Animal Production, Quality, R&D, or a related field.

Experience with continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and production KPI tracking.
Prior exposure to…