Production Manager Food and Safety Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Production Manager – (Retail) Food & Safety Operations

Purpose for the Position:

The Retail Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance of retail operations within a food and safety‑regulated environment. This role oversees end‑to‑end operations, including inventory management, distribution, food safety compliance, and retail performance to ensure efficiency, safety, and profitability.

Essential Responsibilities:

Essential responsibilities are fundamental duties of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily retail operations, ensuring alignment between departments with the focus of company goals and operational standards.
• Ensure seamless coordination between retail, warehouse, logistics, and supply chain functions.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Collaborate with Food Safety and Quality Department to ensure full compliance with USDA regulations, FDA guidelines, and applicable food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMPs)
• Collaborate and support food safety programs including HACCP, GMPs, sanitation, temperature control, recall readiness, and audit preparedness.
• Act as a key point of contact for regulatory inspections, third‑party audits, and corrective action plans.

People Management & Workforce Development

• Directly manage retail teams, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure training programs for food safety, equipment use, and workplace safety are completed and documented.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to optimize product flow and minimize shrink.

Retail Performance

• Ensure retail locations meet merchandising, customer service, and operational standards.
• Support sales growth initiatives and customer experience improvements.
• Address operational issues impacting retail performance.

Other Duties

• Perform related duties as assigned, consistent with organizational objectives and compliance requirements.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• 2-5 years in Retail operations or Warehouse or Distribution center work.
• Experience with order fulfillment, shipping and receiving and inventory systems.
• Prior supervisory or team lead experience is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMP).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse workplace.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, SharePoint)
• Experience with ERP or traceability systems

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods

• Ability to work in refrigerated or temperature-controlled environments

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move product throughout the shift

• Exposure to food production environments including noise and food allergens

• Ability to wear required PPE (hairnets, gloves, smocks, safety glasses, etc.)

Key Competencies:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Attention to detail and organizational effectiveness

• Problem-solving and continuous improvement orientation

• Willingness to work extended or flexible hours during business peaks

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed in both office and USDA-inspected food manufacturing environments. The role includes exposure to cold environments, production noise, and food allergens. The role also requires routine interaction with production, sanitation, regulatory, and audit environments to verify compliance and maintain inspection readiness.

EEO/USDA Civil Rights/Background and Compliance:

This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Program Provider. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

In accordance with USDA civil rights regulations and policies, this institution does not discriminate in employment or program participation. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Employment may be contingent upon completion of background checks or other compliance requirements consistent with federal and USDA regulations.