Production Manager Job at Harvest Food Group LLC in Chicago

Overview

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The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations in a high-volume food manufacturing facility specializing in frozen ingredients. This role ensures efficient production while maintaining safety, quality, cost, and efficiency standards. The Production Manager leads a team of supervisors and production staff to drive continuous improvement, automation integration, and operational excellence in alignment with company goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of production planning, scheduling, and execution to meet customer demand and business goals.
• Ensure efficiency, waste reduction, and cost control in production processes.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement strategies.
• Maintain compliance with food safety (FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF), regulatory, and company standards.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure optimal equipment performance and uptime.
• Drive automation adoption and process optimization for increased productivity.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors and line workers to foster a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels, training, and skill development to meet production goals.
• Conduct performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and employee development plans.
• Promote a safety-first culture, ensuring adherence to OSHA and company safety policies.

Quality & Compliance

• Partner with Quality Assurance to uphold food safety and product quality standards.
• Conduct regular audits, inspections, and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure strict compliance with USDA, FDA, GMPs, and sanitation protocols.

Production Performance & Reporting

• Monitor KPIs (yield, throughput, efficiency, downtime, waste, labor cost, etc.) and drive performance improvements.
• Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on production performance.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) food processing and packaging.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and/or TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, food safety programs, and OSHA safety standards.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of production management experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably in frozen food processing.
• Experience managing high-volume, automated food production lines.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams, improving efficiency, and implementing process improvements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Comfortable working in cold/freezer environments (~0°F to 40°F).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends as needed.