Production Manager

USA-KY Buckner

Full time

R28998

Winland Foods is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced food production environment. This leadership role is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the manufacturing team, developing a culture of accountability and ownership, and ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products.

The Production Manager will oversee both hourly and salaried team members, manage production performance through key operational metrics, and partner cross-functionally with all Leadership teams to optimize productivity, improve equipment effectiveness, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This position plays a critical role in maintaining food safety, regulatory compliance, employee engagement, and overall operational success.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

KY Buckner

Job Type:

Production Operations

Job Posting Title:

Production Manager

Job Description:

Schedule: 1st shift Monday- Friday with flexibility as needed to meet plant needs including night and weekend hours

Work Location: 1 Quality Place, Buckner, KY 40010

​ Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.​

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $93k -$138k annually with additional bonus potential

Duties & Responsibilities

• Establish leadership and set the strategic direction for the manufacturing team. Ensures necessary plans area in place to deliver the required business results while developing a culture of ownership and accountability.

• Manages team of both hourly and exempt employees

• Interpret safety policies/practices to employees including enforcing safe work practices.

• Manage a staff of direct reports through regular performance reviews and developmental activities to ensure movement toward a high performance / high engagement organization, while assuring effective departmental performance.

• Utilize available data (line speed target, set-up guidelines, and efficiency and process data) to continuously improve productivity, uptime and reliability. Utilize the above information as a tool to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and product cost.

• Set clear priorities and align resources to deliver against business and regulatory requirements in the areas of cost, financial controls, and quality, safety and business initiatives.

• Manage product quality by understanding and communicating customer needs to employees and ensuring expectations are consistently met and according to standard work.

• Determine schedules, sequences and assignments for work activities based on work priority, quantity of equipment and skill of personnel.

• Diagnose equipment, ingredients and packaging issues. Coordinate with Engineering, Maintenance or others as appropriate to solve production-related problems.

• Ensure each manufacturing area is maintained in accordance with SQF standards.

• Ensure security of employees, facilities and information systems by following and enforcing established security procedures.

• Ensure clear and concise communication to all levels in the organization.

• Ensure regular safety inspections are conducted in all manufacturing areas.

• Must be able to drive improvements in manufacturing processes. Must be able to put new systems and procedures in place while instilling accountability and ownership in a rapidly changing environment.

• Supports Continuous Improvement projects through the practice of Root Cause Analysis, and other management operating systems, etc.

• Perform other duties as assigned. This position can involve weekend and on call duties.

• In the absence of the Plant Manager, the Production Manager may assume the responsibilities of that role.

Knowledge, Training and Experience:

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with a minimum three years of experience in a management capacity OR equivalent combination of education and experience, Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Food manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.

• Effective listener and team player.

• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing, FDA/USDA, OSHA and EPA regulations desired.

• Able to work effectively with others, have good interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Highly organized, critical thinker able to multi-task.

• Able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong computer skills including experience with SAP and Microsoft Office.

• Continuous improvement and lean manufacturing mindset with the ability to lead and support multiple projects strongly preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Must be able to perform the following: standing, climbing, pulling, and or pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning and stooping.

• Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time.

• Must be able to work overtime and extended hours as required.

• Good physical condition with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.

• Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range.

Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements:

• Must wear all required personal protection equipment associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel.

• Maintain clean and safe working environment and follow all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed.

• Inform Management of any food safety or quality issues or of any processes which become noncompliant with specified requirements.

Food Safety:

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.

• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.

• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Controls further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been correct

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Us

At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.

Why Work With Us?

We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table . That means:

• Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us.

• People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Culture

We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive.

Explore Opportunities

At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food.

To All Recruitment Agencies

Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.