Commissary Production Manager

The Production Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of handmade soap manufacturing, ensuring production plans are met safely, efficiently, and to quality standards. This role translates production schedules into daily work, manages hourly staff, and drives consistency across batching, curing, cutting, finishing, and rework.

This role balances artisan craftsmanship with disciplined execution.

• Own daily production execution against the approved production calendar
• Execute batch sizing, sequencing, and labor allocation
• Ensure SOPs are followed across all production stages

• Track production yields and identify root causes of loss or defects
• Lead rework and defect resolution in partnership with Inventory and Quality
• Maintain QC standards during mixing, pouring, curing, and finishing

• Ensure safe handling of lye, fragrances, essential oils, and botanicals
• Enforce OSHA and chemical safety standards
• Lead incident reporting and corrective actions
• Assign daily work to production staff
• Coach and develop hourly employees
• Lead training and cross-skilling initiatives
• Provide performance feedback and improvement plans
• Identify process improvements to increase throughput and consistency
• Partner with the Commissary Director on efficiency initiatives
• Support waste reduction and labor optimization efforts

• Daily production attainment vs. plan
• Yield and rework rates
• Safety and incident metrics
• Labor efficiency and engagement
• SOP adherence and audit results

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Operations, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent hands-on production leadership experience strongly considered

• 3–6+ years of hands-on manufacturing or production leadership experience
• Direct experience managing hourly production teams in a physical manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ownership of daily production schedules, batch execution, and labor planning
• Experience with yield tracking, defect reduction, and rework management

• Familiarity with batch-based production processes
• Experience working with SOPs, work instructions, and production documentation
• Knowledge of basic quality control processes
• Comfort working in environments involving chemicals, fragrances, oils, or temperature-controlled processes
• OSHA and shop-floor safety awareness

• Strong floor presence and ability to lead in real time
• Clear and direct communication with hourly staff
• Coaching mindset with experience training and cross-skilling employees
• Ability to elevate risks and issues early and constructively
• Bias for action and continuous improvement