Production Manager bei KETTLE CUISINE LLC

Description

Job Summary

The Production Manager ensures continuous and efficient operation of the production facility to meet customer requirements in accordance with safety, sanitation, quality, quantity and cost (SSQQC). This role leads, manages, coaches, and develops direct reports to achieve daily KPIs. At Kettle Cuisine takes the utmost pride in their products and expects each employee to do the same with their work.

Role and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all food safety standards and guidelines, including SQF, USDA, and FDA requirements.
• Ensure team members understand and follow all safety rules, guidelines, and practices. Oversee supervisors in completing accident reports for any safety incidents.
• Verify that company specifications are met in the work area regarding finished product quality and usage of raw materials and packaging.
• Responsible for achieving KPIs (e.g., pounds per labor hour, cost per pound), managing departmental budgets, and generating performance data.
• Promote a “right first time” culture focused on quality and accuracy.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required documentation to maintain clear traceability.
• Manage ERP system (Ross) transactions and maintain control of inventory within assigned areas.
• Communicate and update all relevant parties regarding issues, changes, or process improvements. Lead and conduct all required team meetings.
• Monitor operations and take action to reduce or eliminate waste.
• Take an active role in onboarding and supporting new employees and temporary labor.
• Maintain strong working relationships with HR, Safety, QA, Maintenance, Purchasing, and other departments to address and resolve issues effectively.
• Identify and communicate potential opportunities for capital investments.
• Follow and enforce all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) as outlined in company policy.
• Follow and enforce all safety rules and procedures to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
• Follow and enforce all food safety procedures to maintain compliance and product integrity.
• Follow and enforce all environmental protocols to prevent pollution to air, land, and water.
• Support and enforce all continuous improvement initiatives, rules, and best practices.
• Follow and enforce all sanitation procedures and work instructions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Works under general supervision. Makes decisions within clearly prescribed areas referring matters that fall outside that area to others.
• Oversees production projects to ensure consistent output across all shifts.
• Plays a key role in implementing strategic initiatives at the plant level. This includes driving continuous improvement efforts aligned with company objectives and growth targets.
• Responsible for supporting all aspects of the business, as well as for generating revenue within area of responsibility.
• Authorized to make decisions related to production priorities, resource allocation, and process changes within established budgets.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and develops a team of supervisors, leads, and hourly employees.
• Responsible for succession planning and talent development within the production team.
• Serves as a role model for company culture, communication, and accountability.
• Builds engagement and fosters collaboration across all shifts and departments.
• Manage any employee relations matters within team.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED

• High School diploma or GED required, Associate degree or higher preferred.
• Requires four -seven years of experience; to include 5 years manufacturing management experience preferably in the food industry. Prior experience with ERP system required.
• Ability to perform and read Quality/Sanitation tests.
• Additional directly related work experience may be substituted for degree.
• Ability to speak and understand conversational Spanish is a plus.
• Must be proficient with MS Office programs, specifically Excel and Outlook.
• Requires the ability to remain professional in all situations.
• Requires excellent professional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent project management skills. 
• Confidentiality, quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed; ability to gain the trust and respect of management team at the facility and employees.
• Maintain the integrity of confidential business and product information.
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop good working relationships with employees at all levels of the company, ability to work with and through others is essential to accomplish goals and objectives of the Company. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Production Manager encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Physical Demands/Efforts

• Work requires occasional physical exertion including some lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Mental & Visual Demands

• Work performed by this position requires considerable mental concentration to effectively execute complex tasks.
• Work requires continuous visual effort for extended periods of time.

Work Environment and Hazards

• Employee works in a manufacturing setting with frequent exposure to heat/cold, dust, or other factors that may require protective equipment and still pose a hazard.
• This position has regular exposure to hazards that could result in injury and loss of time at work.
• Limited travel may be required.

AS A LEADER WITHIN THE KETTLE CUISINE TEAM YOU ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Model and support Kettle’s Core Values and safety culture.
• Manage performance of all team members.
• Build a strong, committed, and collaborative team.
• Develop individual team members & their careers.
• Conduct annual reviews and PDPs for all direct team members.
• Create a culture of accountability & performance.
• Drive a focus on quality and continuous improvement
• Plan work, track results and resolve variances.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Excellent interpersonal skills needed for working in a team environment.
• Goal oriented & well organized.
• Ability to work all scheduled shifts, on time.
• Experience and practical application of LEAN principles (5S, RCA, Waste Elimination).
• Passion for food and high quality.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Time management.
• Leadership – coaching and developing.
• Problem solving.
• Planning and organizing.
• Basic math skills.

Qualifications