The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products. This role provides leadership across all aspects of the operation, including Safety, Quality, Productivity, Employee Development, Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

The Manufacturing Manager sets clear expectations for direct reports, provides the tools, training, and support necessary for success, removes barriers to performance, and holds team members accountable for achieving operational goals and business objectives. This position serves as a key leader in driving a culture of safety, quality, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

This role operates on a 12-hour overnight shift, following a 2-2-3 schedule, from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and coordinate personnel, equipment, and material resources to maximize safety, productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Drive achievement of daily, weekly, and monthly production objectives while ensuring adherence to customer requirements and delivery commitments.
• Establish performance expectations, monitor results, provide coaching and development, conduct performance evaluations, and administer corrective action when necessary.
• Foster a positive, engaged, and accountable work environment that promotes teamwork, employee development, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, regulatory requirements, and environmental standards while maintaining a safe and clean workplace.
• Promote a culture of safety by actively identifying hazards, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring employees follow established safety procedures.
• Ensure product quality by enforcing compliance with specifications, control plans, quality standards, and food safety requirements.
• Review production data, key performance metrics, and operational reports to identify trends, implement improvements, and drive business results.
• Resolve operational and personnel issues through effective problem-solving, collaboration, and timely decision-making.
• Manage production schedules by assigning personnel, establishing priorities, monitoring workflow, and coordinating resources to meet production targets.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Technical teams to minimize downtime and maximize equipment performance.
• Ensure efficient and accurate machine setups and product changeovers in accordance with job specifications and standard operating procedures.
• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, process optimization, and cost savings.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization to ensure alignment on production goals, challenges, and opportunities.
• Exercise authority to stop, modify, or delay production processes when product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, or employee safety may be compromised.
• Report all actual or potential food safety and quality concerns to the Quality Assurance Manager and appropriate leadership teams.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and corrective action activities as required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production management systems.
• Ability to analyze data and utilize performance metrics to drive operational improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food, packaging, plastics, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Knowledge of food safety systems, GMPs, and regulatory requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 12 hours per shift.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, climb, stoop, and perform physical activities associated with a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety shoes, hearing protection, and other safety equipment as required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.

Work Environment

This position operates in both manufacturing and office environments. The manufacturing setting includes exposure to moving mechanical equipment, vibration, elevated noise levels, temperature fluctuations, and industrial machinery. The office setting requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and participation in meetings. The Manufacturing Manager must be able to transition effectively between the production floor and office environment while maintaining a high level of visibility and engagement with employees.