Production Manager

Job Description

Job DescriptionProduction ManagerMarin French Cheese | Petaluma, CA

Join California's oldest cheese company and help shape the future of artisan cheesemaking.

Marin French Cheese, a brand of Laura Chenel's Chevre, Inc. and subsidiary of the family-owned French dairy Tribillat, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee production and packaging operations at our Petaluma creamery. This position is responsible for production planning, employee management, food safety, quality standards, and operational efficiency while supporting the continued growth of one of the nation's most recognized artisan cheese brands.

We are looking for a collaborative leader who can build high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the production of exceptional products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and workplace safety.

Position Details

Job Title: Production Manager
Location: Petaluma, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

What You'll DoEmployee Management

• Create an atmosphere of teamwork within the Production and Packaging departments and across all areas of the business.
• Manage employee performance through coaching, feedback, performance evaluations, and corrective action when necessary.
• Ensure employees follow established food safety, quality, production, and scheduling procedures.
• Monitor departmental performance and ensure production targets are achieved.
• Partner with the Plant Manager to maintain labor and production supply costs within budget.
• Support the Quality Assurance team in monitoring and implementing food safety measures.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and the Plant Manager to ensure proper staffing levels.
• Work with HR on employee relations matters, including discipline, grievances, and complaints.

Production Planning & Operations

• Develop and manage daily and weekly cheese production schedules to fulfill customer orders.
• Coordinate milk, cream, and production supply requirements with Supply Chain and vendors.
• Evaluate production capacity and communicate shortages or operational constraints to the Plant Manager.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Support the development of new cheese products and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure production records are completed accurately and maintained for operational reporting.
• Analyze production data, losses, labor utilization, and efficiencies to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop and track departmental KPIs and provide regular reporting to management.
• Monitor production metrics, including overtime, losses, and efficiency, and communicate results to leadership and employees.
• Partner with leadership to support future growth initiatives and operational planning.

Quality & Food Safety

• Participate in cheese evaluations and tastings to monitor product quality and consistency.
• Ensure all production procedures are clearly documented, understood, and followed.
• Support supervisors in training employees on production and quality procedures.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct routine inspections and audits of production areas and records.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient production environment.

Communication & Leadership

• Lead regular meetings with Production and Packaging teams to communicate KPIs, priorities, and operational goals.
• Meet with supervisors and leads to support their development and departmental responsibilities.
• Communicate effectively with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other departments.
• Ensure critical operational information is shared in a timely and effective manner.

Safety

• Maintain and promote a safe work environment.
• Actively participate in the company's safety culture and initiatives.
• Attend and support monthly safety meetings and trainings.
• Prioritize and schedule employee safety training.
• Report unsafe conditions and assist with investigations as needed.

QualificationsEducation & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of food production experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of people management experience.
• Budget management experience required.
• Proven experience leading teams in a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience in dairy manufacturing or cheesemaking preferred.
• Knowledge of aged cheesemaking processes is a plus.
• Familiarity with CDFA requirements and licensing preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and employee development skills.
• Ability to develop strategic plans and successfully implement actions.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing production operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency standards.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements listed are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Frequent operation of computers and office equipment.
• Ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, lift, twist, pull, push, carry, grasp, reach, and stoop as needed.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures.
• Ability to work around production equipment, machinery, and laboratory environments.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Why Join Marin French Cheese?

• Be part of California's oldest cheese company.
• Join a growing organization backed by a family-owned international dairy company.
• Work with award-winning artisan cheese products recognized nationwide.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on operations, quality, and team development.
• Collaborative, fast-paced, and supportive work environment.
• Opportunity for professional growth and leadership development.

If you're a passionate production leader with a commitment to quality, food safety, and employee development, we'd love to hear from you.