Production Manager - Harris Spice Company : Job Details

For over 35 years, Harris Spice has been a reliable resource for a full range of spices, herbs, and innovative seasoning blends. We own international facilities that service multiple channels of trade such as industrial bulk, food service, and retail, having supported some of the largest national brands. As a fast-growing business, we're looking for talented and diverse candidates to expand our business to the next level.

Position Overview/Job Summary:

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily production activities, leading, managing and directing all personnel and resources in the production area to fulfill production schedules effectively, efficiently, safely, at standard cost, within quality and food safety standards and company quality standards. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of food production equipment, and the ability to drive efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) that are in effect, assuring the safety, quality and quantity of product produced.

Essential Job Functions:

• Functional supervision of all production staff, scheduling and directing the resources to meet production schedules, and overseeing the daily efficiency of process lines.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, and other food safety standards.
• Oversee and maintain food production equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and reduce waste.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust resources to meet customer demand.
• Train, coach, and develop production staff to build a high-performing team.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth plant operations.
• Maintain accurate production records and generate performance reports for leadership.
• Act as the Department's Safety Champion, leading the production team to comply with safety rules and standards.
• Manage and provide direction to the supervisors, lead operators, sanitation, housekeeping and maintenance team to ensure finished goods are produced safely and on time according to the production schedule with the right quality and at the expected cost.
• Establish and manage production schedule and KPIs, setting specific goals aligned with the business plan.
• Identify deviations to the production plan during the shift and propose prompt actions to get back on track.
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to maintain the equipment and the facility in optimum operational conditions, to perform production line improvements and to implement cost reduction projects.
• Monitor production waste and materials shrinkage to ensure that production waste is within standards. Propose and execute CI projects to reduce material waste.
• Ensure the operation is adequately staffed by providing training and coaching to employees, and partnering with Human Resources to recruit and hire the right candidates to support operational excellence
• Inspect raw materials prior to changeovers to ensure correct inventories for production runs. Perform lines' inspections and first pass quality checks at the start of the shift and after changeovers to prevent product out of specifications.
• Complete, review and analyze shift reports for production data, downtime, attendance, overtime, and quality checks.
• Follow, promote, and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety Standards within the facility.
• Other duties as assigned
• This job description describes just some of the main duties, activities and responsibilities for the role which may change at any time with or without prior notice.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Engineering, Business, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 5+ years of production management experience in the food industry or high-speed automated manufacturing operation
• Strong understanding of food production equipment, maintenance processes, and plant operations.
• Proven track record of implementing continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• 3 years managing 10 or more direct reports in manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience in process efficiency metrics (OEE), process mapping, budgeting, and production standards.
• Proficient in MS Office and fluent with MRP/ERP or any other inventory and production control systems.
• Strong understanding of Food Safety Systems (GMP, HACCP, BRC or SQF).
• Proficient with safety programs and OSHA requirements. Certification in OSHA 30 hrs. program is a plus.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for an 8–10-hour shift
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and climb ladders.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, and food processing equipment.
• Repetitive standing, walking, bending, twisting, stooping, grasping, climbing, reaching, and moving about the facility
• Will be required to work around spices and meat ingredients as part of the daily activities

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of the work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract for employment. Harris Spice reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Harris Spice is a certified Minority-owned business. Our business is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.