Production Manager

We founded our family business on a passion for providing the fresh fruits and vegetables that can feed our neighbors, near and far.

Since 1940, that shared mission has inspired our attention to meeting each client’s specific needs and the global growth that can deliver produce to the customers they serve. Today, that expansion of our facilities and operations includes integrated supply chains with extensive distribution capabilities that begin with direct-grower sourcing in the US, Mexico, and beyond. This multinational network’s benefits include year-round crop production, expert support for direct retail, foodservice, merchandising businesses, and the flexibility to leverage emerging market trends.

We are growing. Join our team!

Have you ever been curious about growing your career in fresh produce? We serve an honorable industry and help feed families near and far with fresh, wholesome foods…

Reports To: Director of Operations
Direct Reports: Repack (Production) Supervisor, Data Entry Associate, and Repackers.

Position Summary: The Production Manager role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all production activities to ensure efficient, timely, and cost-effective manufacturing or packed product output. An effective Production Manager understands and evaluates key performance metrics, including inputs, outputs, units packed per minute, downtime, shrink, and unit cost. This role ensures that production goals are met while maintaining high standards of quality, operational safety, and HACCP compliance.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, analytical, and organizational skills to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Location: Rio Rico, AZ

Key Responsibilities
Production Planning and Implementation

• Manage daily production schedules and overtime hours.
• Coordinate between the  Repack Supervisor(s), Warehouse Foreman, and Organic Commodity Manager(s) to align over production goals and demand forecasts.
• Monitor production performance metrics / KPIs (e.g., throughput, yields, downtime, etc.) and adjust plans as needed.
• Oversee packing operations from a planning, people management, and cost management perspective.
• Stay informed of material and other production costs, implementing cost-savings initiatives where appropriate.

Leadership

• Train, supervise and evaluate the Repack (Production) Supervisors, repack data entry associates, and the repacking staff.
• Foster a culture of responsibility, respect, safety, and continuous improvement.

Process Development and Optimization

• Ensure packaging machinery is operating at optimum levels.
• Become familiar with the equipment’s capabilities, operations, and throughput rates.
• Develop packing processes and implement continuous process improvements.

Quality Control and Compliance

• Ensure production team and activities support the organization’s food safety program (e.g., HACCP, GMPs, date coding, inventory rotation).
• Collaborate with compliance and operations teams on audits, issues resolution, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain timely and accurate production records and documentation.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s in Agriculture, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5 years in production or operations management, preferably in a food packaging, perishable food manufacturing, or agricultural packaging facility.
• Strong leadership and planning skills.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and inventory control.

Skills & Characteristics

• Strong leadership skills to coach, inspire, and effectively lead a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. Bilingual preferred.
• Comfortable with cross-functional coordination between operations, sourcing, and QC.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and solutions-based thinking.
• Analyze data to understand cost, yield, and quality metrics.
• Demonstrate an understanding of packaging equipment capabilities, operation, automation, and production planning.

Technology

• Computer literacy and familiarity with ERP systems.
• Famous Software experience preferred.
• Proficient with use of MS office, especially Outlook and Excel.

Other

• Must be able to work in the U.S.
• Able and willing to work extended hours, including weekends, on an alternating schedule.
• Be able to work with a computer while sitting or standing, sometimes for extended periods.
• Able to lift 15 lbs.