General Manager

Job Title: General Manager (Food Production/Manufacturing/Sales)
Location: Norwalk, IA

Join Produce Innovations/Loffredo Fresh Foods as a General Manager based out of our food processing plant in Norwalk, IA. Produce Innovations is a growing food production company specializing in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, value-added produce items, grab-and-go foods, and fresh food solutions for foodservice, retail, schools, institutional, and commercial customers.

Our customers depend on us for quality, consistency, food safety, service, and innovation. As we continue to grow, we are focused on expanding our capabilities, improving operational execution, and building strong customer partnerships. We are committed to attracting a team that is passionate, innovative, and committed to meeting our customer’s needs.

The General Manager is responsible for leading the overall performance of Produce Innovations, including operations, sales support, food safety, quality, customer satisfaction, employee development, and financial performance. This is a hands‑on leadership role overseeing production, maintenance, HR, food safety, quality, and plant operations while helping drive business growth and operational improvement. The ideal candidate is a positive, accountable, growth‑minded leader who can build strong teams, support customers, improve processes, and deliver results.

Pay: 130,000 - 160,000 Dependent on Experience

What we look for:

• Proven leadership experience in food production or manufacturing
• A hands‑on leader who is willing to jump in and support the team when needed
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to solve problems and drive results
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing multiple departments
• Financial and business acumen, including budgeting and P&L management experience
• Customer‑focused with strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Passion for food safety, quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Positive, accountable, and growth‑minded leadership style
• Ability to motivate teams, build culture, and hold others accountable
• Fresh/perishable food experience and sales or product development exposure are a plus

What you’ll do:

• Lead the overall performance and daily operations of Produce Innovations
• Oversee production, maintenance, food safety, quality, HR, and plant operations
• Drive operational improvements focused on efficiency, labor performance, yield, and service levels
• Manage financial performance, including labor costs, operating expenses, margins, and profitability
• Build, coach, and develop strong teams across multiple departments
• Partner with customers and support business growth opportunities and product development initiatives
• Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, quality, and regulatory compliance
• Identify operational challenges, implement solutions, and ensure follow‑through
• Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative workplace culture
• Help execute long‑term business growth and operational strategies

What Success Looks Like

• Driving revenue growth and improving overall profitability
• Enhancing operational performance, efficiency, and productivity across the business
• Delivering exceptional customer service and strengthening customer relationships
• Maintaining high standards for food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance
• Building a positive, accountable, and high‑performing leadership culture
• Successfully implementing operational improvement initiatives and process enhancements
• Supporting business growth through new customer partnerships and product opportunities

What you’ll gain as a Loffredo Team Member:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, available 1st of the month following 30 days employment
• 401k with company match available following 6 months of employment
• Additional voluntary insurance such as basic/supplemental life and disability
• Paid time off & Paid holidays
• Regular and constructive performance feedback
• Participate in a yearly performance‑based bonus starting in the year of hire