Assistant Production Manager

Assistant Production Manager

The Assistant Production Manager serves as a key leader on the production floor, acting as the primary resource for frontline team members and a direct link to plant leadership. This role supports day-to-day operations across production departments—Ingredient Prep, Batching, Filling, and Packaging—ensuring adherence to schedules, quality standards, and safety protocols. The Assistant Production Manager is a hands-on leader who answers frequent team member questions, resolves issues quickly, and drives alignment with production and company goals.

What You'll Do:

Lead & Support Production Operations

• Serve as the go-to resource for frontline associates, providing guidance on processes, troubleshooting, and daily priorities.
• Assist in coordinating production activities across departments to meet schedules and uphold quality and safety standards.
• Communicate effectively with the Assistant Plant Manager and Production Supervisors to ensure smooth operations and timely issue resolution.
• Monitor production flow and escalate concerns promptly to minimize downtime and maintain efficiency.
• Participate in daily shift huddles to reinforce priorities and share updates.
• Support coordination of maintenance and sanitation activities.

Ensure Food Safety & Quality

• Uphold Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and ensure compliance with food safety protocols.
• Support FSQA initiatives by monitoring process controls and documentation accuracy.
• Immediately address and escalate any deviations, quality issues, or non-conformances.

Drive Team Engagement

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and safety-first culture on the production floor.
• Provide informal coaching and feedback to team members to encourage growth and accountability.
• Model CAVA's mission, values, and leadership behaviors.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve yields, and optimize labor efficiency.
• Support implementation of new processes and equipment to enhance productivity.
• Analyze downtime, yields, and labor data to identify improvement opportunities.

The Qualifications:

• Experience: 2–4 years in food manufacturing or production environment, with prior leadership or lead experience preferred.
• Education: High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Food Science, or related field preferred.
• Leadership: Ability to lead by example, answer questions, and maintain team alignment in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with food manufacturing processes and safety standards.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Understanding of HACCP, GMPs, and regulatory compliance.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Bilingual: English/Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical dexterity, ability to lift up to 45 lbs and push/pull rolling bowls, carts, and containers with up to 550 lbs of product.
• The ability to work in varied environmental conditions (dry, cold).
• The ability to stand and work on feet for 8 to 10 hours at a time.
• Must be able to identify, assess, and observe detail.
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively.
• Ability to squat, kneel, bend, and twist.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Allergens: We prepare products with milk and sesame containing ingredients. Team members must be able to work with these ingredients.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
• Early Wage Access!
• Six (6) paid holidays annually
• Paid sick leave
• Vacation accrual beginning at 3rd month
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
• 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• CAVA restaurant employee discount
• Casual work environment
• The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
• All employees are eligible for benefits.

* Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

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