Job Description
Job Description
Production Manager
Work Location: Watsonville, CA, and Yuma, AZ
Division/Department: Production
Reports To: President
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Production Management and Oversight
- Manage and oversee conveyor belt production lines to ensure the efficient processing of greens according to production schedules.
- Oversee daily production operations to meet established targets for output, quality, efficiency, and cost.
- Monitor and evaluate cost per pound, pounds per labor hour, and product yield standards.
- Ensure production goals are met while minimizing waste and maximizing profitability.
- Spend a minimum of 1.5 hours per day on the production floor supervising operations.
Team Leadership and Development
- Directly supervise production personnel, including shift supervisors.
- Lead, train, coach, and develop production employees and supervisors to ensure effective performance and accountability.
- Promote a positive work environment and maintain strong employee relations aligned with the organization's vision and values.
- Develop and train a designated second-in-command supervisor to provide operational coverage when needed.
- Promote a culture of safety, food safety, quality, customer service, and cost efficiency throughout the plant.
Quality Control and Food Safety
- Monitor product quality throughout the production process and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain established standards.
- Ensure compliance with food safety requirements, company policies, and applicable safety regulations.
- Conduct regular safety inspections and audits, promptly addressing any identified issues.
- Maintain HACCP standards and support continuous improvement in food safety practices.
Process Improvement and Equipment Management
- Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to production processes, procedures, and infrastructure to increase efficiency, reduce waste, improve product quality, and enhance profitability.
- Oversee the proper operation of production equipment, including conveyor systems, baggers, scales, labeling machines, tray fillers, and other automated production equipment.
- Coordinate with the maintenance team to ensure equipment is properly maintained and production downtime is minimized.
- Identify and resolve production issues promptly, collaborating with other departments as necessary.
Planning, Inventory, and New Product Development
- Plan production requirements to ensure resources, materials, and staffing are available to meet production schedules.
- Monitor raw material and finished goods inventory to support production needs and prevent unnecessary overstocking.
- Plan and coordinate the implementation of new products to ensure a successful rollout.
- Arrange transportation for company equipment between facilities during seasonal transitions.
Reporting and Strategic Planning
- Track, analyze, and report key production performance indicators, including output, quality, efficiency, labor productivity, product yields, and operating costs.
- Measure results against established key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions when targets are not met.
- Define and recommend plant objectives and develop short- and long-term operational plans, programs, and supporting budget requests.
- Provide regular production and performance updates to senior management.
Communication and Problem-Solving
- Apply sound judgment to identify and resolve operational challenges in situations that may involve limited standardization.
- Interpret and follow instructions provided in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule formats.
- Prepare routine reports and correspondence and communicate information effectively in one-on-one and small-group settings with employees, customers, clients, and other stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Work Experience Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
- Production Experience: Demonstrated experience managing production operations in a manufacturing or food-processing environment.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of conveyor belt systems and automated production equipment, including baggers, scales, labeling machines, and tray fillers.
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, train, and develop production teams and supervisors.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to addressing production challenges.
- Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and operational excellence.
- Safety and Food Safety: Thorough knowledge of workplace safety practices and food safety requirements.
- Certification: Must hold a valid HACCP certification.
- Language Skills: Must be bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Travel: Must be able to travel between the Watsonville, California, and Yuma, Arizona, facilities as needed for seasonal operations.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
- Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance, consistent with applicable laws and company policies.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability and willingness to travel to seasonal facilities as required.
- Ability to work in a production environment and spend at least 1.5 hours per day on the production floor supervising operations.