Production Manager

Job description:

Production Manager

Location: Crustless Creations LLC - Akron, Ohio

Department: Operations / Manufacturing

Reports To: Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Production Manager oversees all day-to-day manufacturing operations within the facility, ensuring production targets are met safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. This role maintains a strong focus on quality, consistency, and operational discipline while driving overall performance on the production floor. As a hands-on leader, the Production Manager supports team execution, equipment reliability, and process efficiency, serving as the critical link between leadership and frontline operations to align resources, people, and processes with business objectives. This role is accountable for achieving production targets, maintaining compliance, and driving operational performance across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production Execution

• Plan, organize, and manage daily production activities to meet output and delivery targets
• Oversee the full production process from raw materials to finished goods
• Monitor line performance, yields, and labor efficiency
• Adjust schedules and staffing in real time to address production needs or constraints
• Drive continuous improvement in throughput, waste reduction, and overall efficiency

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and frontline employees
• Set clear performance expectations and productivity goals
• Foster a positive, team-oriented culture that emphasizes safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and workforce planning
• Set clear expectations for performance, attendance, and accountability
• Support training and onboarding of new employees

Quality & Food Safety

• Partner closely with the FSQ team to ensure all food safety and quality programs are consistently followed
• Reinforce adherence to HACCP, GMPs, and all regulatory and company standards on the production floor
• Support audits and inspections as required
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions (CAPAs), ensuring timely execution and sustained compliance

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all safety policies, procedures, and OSHA requirements
• Promote safe work practices, including proper use of PPE and adherence to LOTO procedures
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions
• Maintain a strong culture of safety and accountability

Equipment & Operational Support

• Coordinate with maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and minimal downtime
• Support basic troubleshooting and perform light maintenance activities as needed to keep production running efficiently
• Communicate equipment issues and prioritize repairs to minimize production impact

Resource & Cost Management

• Manage labor utilization to align with production needs
• Monitor and control waste, rework, and inefficiencies
• Support cost control efforts while maintaining operational performance
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with FSQ, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth operations

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Business, or related field (preferred)
• 3–7+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food production
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in a production environment

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Hands-on, “player-coach” approach to operations
• Working knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMPs)
• Mechanical aptitude with ability to support basic equipment troubleshooting
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication and collaboration skills

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production output and schedule adherence
• Labor efficiency
• Waste and yield performance
• Equipment uptime / downtime coordination
• Safety performance (incidents, compliance)
• Audit readiness and adherence to food safety programs

Work Environment

• Frozen food manufacturing environment with cold and refrigerated areas
• Requires standing, walking, lifting, and exposure to machinery
• Ability to support multiple shifts or extended hours as needed
• May require flexibility in hours as operations expand

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent achievement of daily production targets
• Strong team performance and engagement
• Reliable production operations with minimal disruption
• High adherence to food safety and safety standards
• Continuous improvement in efficiency and waste reduction

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $75,000 – $85,000, commensurate with experience
• Eligibility for performance-based bonus program
• Health care benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional growth opportunities within a growing organization

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Work Location: In person