Production Manager - Platinum Recruiting Group : Job Details

We are a leading Midwest-based recruiting firm partnered with our manufacturing client to find a high-impact Operations Leader in the Winston-Salem area. This is a career-defining opportunity to step in as the 2 in the plant and drive operational excellence.

Team, Structure, and Culture

You will join a highly effective manufacturing facility known for its collaborative culture. This position will report directly to the Plant Manager.

The culture is built on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. You will be a hands-on leader on the floor, responsible for coaching and developing operations supervision and support staff. Your leadership will be essential in maintaining and enhancing this successful operation.

Key Tools & Technologies

The ideal candidate will have experience driving modern manufacturing excellence using:

• Continuous Improvement (CI) / TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) methodologies.
• SQF or similar Food Safety/Quality compliance systems.
• ERP/MRP Systems for planning and inventory.

What You Will Do:

This position provides team and technical leadership in all manufacturing activities, coordinating safety, quality, production control, and new product initiatives. Your core mission is to ensure safe and cost-effective manufacturing while meeting the highest expectations of customers and consumers.

Leadership & People Development

• Manage, mentor, and evaluate operations supervision and support personnel.
• Be an active leader on the floor, promoting engagement and accountability.
• Assume direct leadership of the plant in the Plant Manager's absence.
• Lead and make decisions on complex Human Resources and Operations employee issues.

Operational Excellence & Financial Stewardship

• Oversee all departments daily, proactively identifying and removing production obstacles.
• Maintain plant/department budgets, assisting with annual preparation and monthly financial reviews with Corporate.
• Drive daily production scheduling to ensure optimal planning and minimal downtime.
• Oversee daily EHS programs and handle regulatory visits when the Plant Manager is absent.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure rigorous product quality is maintained and standards are exceeded.
• Enforce compliance with all plant, safety, sound manufacturing practices, and regulatory guidelines.
• Actively participate in the Plant Safety Committee and enforce food safety/quality policies.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive management experience in a manufacturing environment (Food/Beverage/CPG experience preferred).
• Proven ability to manage direct supervision and maximize efficiency.
• Demonstrated experience with Continuous Improvement (CI), including TPM

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of influencing all levels.
• Strong foundation in budget management and financial reporting
• Knowledge of OSHA standards and SQF/Food Safety protocols.
• Strong decision-making capability to resolve operational issues and enforce SOPs.

Location & Compensation

• Location: Winston-Salem, NC area
• Compensation:$110K–$130K Base Salary + Bonus + Relocation Support