Lucas James Talent Partners
Production Manager Job at Lucas James Talent Partners in Chicago
Lucas James Talent Partners, Chicago, IL, US, 60290
Job Description
Job Summary:
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:
Operations Management
Education & Experience
Job Summary:
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:
Operations Management
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.