Job Summary:
The Production Manager is responsible for managing overall plant production in achieving Safety, Quality, Service, and Productivity, and applicable compliance standards within the manufacturing plant in producing high-quality nutrition and feed additives. This will be executed through providing strong leadership to the team and managing the systems, equipment, people, and materials according to established policies, procedures, and specifications. This individual will report directly to the Plant Manager and generally will have 3-4 direct reports (shift or section supervisors) with typically 80 or less direct and temporary contract employees.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Safety and Compliance:
Promote and champion a safety culture and environment to send every employee home each day without injury.
Work in conjunction with regional safety coordinator(s) to ensure policies and procedures are current, applicable, and enforced as necessary within daily operations.
Conduct and participate in incident investigations for near misses, injuries, and/or property damage that occur in the functional areas.
Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols and company policies to maintain a safe working environment.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards.
Ensure compliance with department safety, product safety, fire protection, company policies/procedures, and housekeeping programs.
Team Management:
Ensure effective, timely, and well-developed communications for all production associates.
Responsible for development and administration of department managerial training focused on personnel policy, coaching and counseling, continuous improvement techniques, and other pertinent subjects.
Oversees development of production associates including devising and executing a training method/plan for continuous skill improvement to ensure a skilled, capable, and motivated team.
Evaluate performance and implement development plans for all direct reports including goal setting, improvement targets, and performance management.
Supervise and lead a team of production supervisors, operators, and support staff to ensure each manufacturing process is performing within budget and schedule.
Serves as a mentor and example to peers, colleagues, and subordinates.
Foster a collaborative work environment and address any personnel issues promptly.
Responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing programs, policies, and procedures where applicable in relation to this position to support customer satisfaction, product quality, cost reduction, waste reduction, material yield, etc.
Production Oversight:
Manage day-to-day operation of liquid-solid mixing, spray drying, granulation, coating, grinding, and evaporation systems to ensure performance and efficiency.
Monitor production metrics and adjust processes to meet production targets and quality standards.
Provide input and assist with developing and implementing production schedules to meet customer demand while minimizing downtime.
Manage process control initiatives by ensuring manufacturing SOPs exist and that they are sufficient for quality, safety, and process control.
Work with the planning and maintenance departments to maximize equipment maintenance programs and prioritize the proper PM or CM schedules to ensure schedule adherence.
Quality Assurance:
Ensure that all products meet the company’s quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Oversee routine quality control checks and implement corrective actions as needed.
Collaborate with quality assurance team to address and resolve any quality-related issues.
Oversee housekeeping of production areas to ensure compliance and maintain an audit-ready facility.
Process Improvement:
Identify opportunities and problem areas for targeted improvements by creating, reviewing, and monitoring, data or reports that show performance to safety, quality, waste, and productivity.
Work with engineering personnel working in the role of a project team member. Provide pertinent information to ensure all machine specifications, auxiliary equipment, installation, operator training, etc. meet production needs.
Write or develop capital appropriation requests (CARs) in coordination with plant team, engineering, supply chain, safety, or other departments as necessary to scope and seek approval for improvement initiatives.
Identify and implement best practices and lean manufacturing principles where appropriate within the organization.
Reporting and Documentation:
Responsible for completeness and accuracy of all production records, reports, and documentation. (e.g.) daily/shift production reports, QC documentation, machine downtime records, wastewater and solids waste reports, etc.)
Prepare or assist with preparation of monthly departmental reports.
Continually improve or develop methods to improve data collection techniques and develop new reporting metrics to drive value within the business.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in engineering (chemical or mechanical preferred), business administration, or manufacturing related field or associates degree in related fields with 5+ years of industry experience in similar roles.
3+ years of supervisory/management experience, preferably in a production management role. A focus in spray drying or food manufacturing environment is preferred.
5+ years of relevant experience working in a production environment.
Requirement & Skills:
Strong understanding of spray drying technologies and production processes.
Proven leadership skills and team management skills.
Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Proficiency in process optimization and continuous improvement methodologies.
Possesses excellent human relations and team-building skills.
Demonstrates an ability to motivate and develop others.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, 24/7 production environment.
Must be available for rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as occasionally required.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and pass a physical examination prior to employment.
May be required to pass a pulmonary fitness test.
May be required to serve as a member of a confined space rescue team.
Occasional domestic travel may be required, less than 5% with the possibility of overnight.
Fluent in English, conversational in Spanish highly preferred.
