Production Manager

The Production Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily walnut processing and packaging operations. This role ensures that production goals are met safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety and quality standards. The Production Manager works closely with production teams on the floor to identify bottlenecks, resolve issues in real time, and continuously improve performance through leadership, training, and process discipline.

Key Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Operational Leadership

• Direct and coordinate daily production activities across shelling, sorting, packaging, and rework operations.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor to observe workflows, assist teams, and ensure consistent output.
• Review daily production metrics (yields, throughput, waste, downtime) and take immediate action to correct variances.
• Collaborate with maintenance and sanitation teams to plan equipment changeovers, repairs, and cleanouts efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety regulations (HACCP, GMP, SQF), and workplace safety standards.

People Management & Development

• Lead, coach, and motivate production supervisors, leads, and hourly staff to achieve performance goals.
• Conduct daily shift meetings to communicate expectations, safety reminders, and production priorities.
• Provide regular feedback, performance evaluations, and corrective actions when necessary.
• Develop employee skills through hands-on training, cross-training, and mentorship.
• Build a positive, teamwork-oriented culture focused on accountability, communication, and respect.

Process Improvement

• Identify production inefficiencies and implement practical solutions to improve flow and minimize downtime.
• Apply lean manufacturing and 5S principles to maintain clean, organized, and efficient work areas.
• Support root cause analysis on equipment or process issues and follow up to ensure corrective actions are sustained.
• Participate in and lead continuous improvement projects targeting cost reduction, yield improvement, and labor optimization.

Planning & Coordination

• Assist in workforce planning, including scheduling, staffing, and overtime management based on production demand.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to align resources and priorities across departments.
• Maintain accurate production records and communicate progress and issues to senior management.
• Support planning and execution of seasonal harvest operations and product changeovers.

Quality & Safety

• Partner with Quality Assurance to maintain consistent product quality and ensure all specifications are met.
• Ensure proper documentation of production, lot tracking, and food safety checks.
• Lead by example in enforcing safety protocols and addressing unsafe behaviors immediately.
• Ensure all employees are trained and equipped with the proper PPE and safety knowledge for their roles.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly: 2 Supervisors, 1 coordinator; Indirectly: between 35-70 hourly employees across various departments

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are typical of the physical demands, work environment, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing experience. 
• Minimum of 5 years of production experience in a food manufacturing environment. 
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.

SKILLS

• Ability to understand SQF, HAACP, GMP, OSHA and SSOP principles.
• Ability to pass forklift certification and aerial lift certification.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish), highly preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficient with ERP systems (Netsuite) and Microsoft Office Suite.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Employee is frequently required to walk. Employee is frequently required to go up and down stairs. Employee is frequently required to bend, reach, and climb. Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25lbs, and up to 50lbs regularly.

Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Prescription drug insurance 
• Vision insurance