Production Manager - 3rd shift

Judge Direct Placement is working with an industry leading manufacturer in the Valdosta, GA area seeking a 3rd Shift Production Manager who is responsible for the total operation of the manufacturing facility during the overnight hours. This role focuses on converting raw materials into finished goods while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, personnel safety, and operational efficiency. As the senior leader on-site during the night, you provide the critical bridge between daily production cycles, often overseeing the transition from high-volume output to deep‑cleaning sanitation (SSOPs) to ensure the facility is "audit‑ready" for the morning shift. Responsibilities Production Oversight: Execute the daily production schedule, ensuring all lines meet throughput targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) while minimizing ingredient waste. Sanitation & Food Safety: Enforce strict adherence to GMPs, HACCP plans, and SQF/BRC standards. Oversee the sanitation crew to ensure all equipment is chemically cleaned and verified before the next production cycle. Workforce Leadership: Manage, coach, and discipline a diverse team of supervisors and hourly associates. Responsible for labor planning, training, and maintaining high morale during non‑traditional hours. Maintenance Coordination: Partner with the maintenance department to prioritize emergency repairs and oversee scheduled preventative maintenance during downtime. Reporting & Communication: Deliver detailed shift turnover reports to 1st‑shift leadership, documenting production yields, safety incidents, and any mechanical issues. Process Improvement: Identify bottlenecks in the production flow and implement Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Requirements Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a food or beverage manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a formal leadership or supervisory capacity. Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of FDA/USDA regulations, FSMA requirements, and third‑party audit schemes (SQF, BRC, or AIB). Technical Proficiency: Ability to navigate ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite) and proficiency in Microsoft Office for data tracking and reporting. Shift Flexibility: Must be able to work consistent overnight hours and remain available for occasional weekend shifts or emergency call‑ins. Physical Ability: Must be comfortable working in various environments, including high‑heat areas, industrial coolers/freezers, and standing for the duration of an 8‑ to 12‑hour shift. Soft Skills: Exceptional decision‑making skills under pressure, strong conflict resolution abilities, and a "safety‑first" mindset. #J-18808-Ljbffr