Production Manager

Production Manager

Location:

Joplin, Missouri

Salary: $80-90k plus bonuses

Reports To:

Plant Manager

Direct Reports:
Production Supervisors, Team Leads

Work Environment:
Food Manufacturing / USDA-Regulated Facility

Service Specialists recruiting agency is seeking a Production Manager for a successful food manufacturing company. This individual is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production of high-quality food products. This role oversees production teams, scheduling, and performance across multiple shifts while maintaining strict compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The Production Manager partners closely with Quality, Maintenance, Sanitation, and Supply Chain to meet customer demand while controlling costs and driving continuous improvement.

• Production & Operations Leadership:
  Direct and manage all production activities to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Lead and support production supervisors and hourly teams across assigned shifts.
• Develop and execute daily and weekly production schedules to meet customer and business requirements.
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and best manufacturing practices.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including throughput, yields, labor efficiency, downtime, and scrap.
• Food Safety & Quality:
  Ensure strict compliance with all food safety and quality programs, including GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, and USDA requirements.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure products meet specifications and customer expectations.
• Reinforce sanitation, allergen control, and traceability standards throughout the production process.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and team members to build a strong, accountable workforce.
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Support hiring, training, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Ensure consistent communication and alignment across shifts.
• Continuous Improvement & Efficiency:
  Drive process improvements focused on productivity, waste reduction, yield improvement, and cost control.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Participate in capital projects, equipment installations, and process changes.
• Utilize lean manufacturing and problem-solving tools to improve operational performance.
• Safety & Compliance:
  Enforce plant safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
• Lead incident investigations and corrective action plans as needed.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

• Education & Experience:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive production leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading teams in a multi-shift operation strongly preferred.
• Knowledge &
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage performance, and drive accountability.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment.