Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations in Racine, Wisconsin while ensuring efficient output, product quality, and a safe, well-organized facility. This role partners closely with planning, pilot plant, maintenance, and warehouse teams to keep production activities aligned with business objectives and operational priorities. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to use production data to improve performance, control costs, and support a high-performing workforce.

Responsibilities:

• Direct daily plant operations and coordinate production activities to maintain schedule adherence, efficiency, and consistent output.

• Review operational metrics and production results to identify trends, address performance gaps, and support informed decision-making.

• Monitor finished goods and in-process work to uphold quality standards and reduce defects throughout the manufacturing cycle.

• Resolve issues involving workflow, equipment, materials, or team capability to improve productivity and minimize downtime.

• Maintain compliance with applicable safety, health, and regulatory requirements, while reinforcing company policies and best practices across the facility.

• Establish and support workplace safety procedures that promote a clean, secure, and well-managed production environment.

• Work with cross-functional leaders to plan, manage, and track departmental budgets in alignment with operational goals.

• Ensure sanitation activities are completed according to defined schedules and established standards.

• Lead hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, performance feedback, and corrective action for production staff and supervisors as needed.

• Associate degree in a related discipline or equivalent manufacturing industry experience required; bachelor’s degree in management, engineering, business, or a related field preferred.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, including 3 or more years in a supervisory or leadership role within a production environment.
• Experience in food production and familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of production processes, quality control, cost management, raw materials, and manufacturing operations.
• Strong leadership, organizational, time management, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, procedure documents, and other technical materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central; Six Sigma knowledge is a plus.
• Comfortable communicating clearly in writing and verbally, including leading discussions with employees and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced setting.