Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Sara Lee Frozen Bakery

Sara Lee desserts have always stood for incredible flavor and superior value in the frozen food aisle and away from home markets. For the first time in over 60 years, Sara Lee is operating independently as Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, a collection of top brands united in quality and innovation, including Sara Lee®, Chef Pierre®, Bistro Collection®, Superior on Main® and Cyrus O’Leary’s®.

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is proud to take these iconic brands into a new era and to continue the evolution that transformed one small Chicago bakery into an American institution. Using carefully sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes, the company is committed to making life’s moments a little sweeter, putting its customers first and discovering new ways to make everyone’s favorite foods even better.

Working for sara Lee:

Our vision is to be the world’s most beloved bakery by creating irresistible foods, growing with our customers, and delivering value for all. We believe that each of us has unique points of difference and experience to offer. We believe that there is always a better way, and we will never be satisfied with status quo. We believe simplicity enables speed. We believe in integrity above all. We live for food, and we “wow” consumers and customers through collaboration and innovation.

Summary: 

The Production Manager at the Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is responsible for overseeing the production process during their assigned shift, ensuring that products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and in accordance with quality standards. The Production Manager will lead a team of operators and other staff in achieving productivity goals while maintaining compliance with food safety regulations and company policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Production Oversight:

• Manage all aspects of the production line during the assigned shift to ensure efficiency and output targets are met.
• Coordinate the workflow of production staff to maximize productivity while minimizing waste.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust staffing as necessary in response to demand fluctuations.
• Quality Assurance.
• Ensure all products meet company and regulatory standards for quality and safety.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment and processes, addressing any deficiencies in product quality or safety protocols.
• Maintain documentation related to production quality control measures and compliance.
• Proactively deliver cost savings projects to meet individual and bakery goals
• Ensure Compliance and growth in all Manufacturing Operating Systems (MOS) including DDS, Lean, Kaizens and Root Cause analysis.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise and train production staff, providing coaching and support to ensure adherence to best practices and safety standards.
• Facilitate team meetings to communicate goals, gather feedback, and encourage collaboration among team members.
• Address staffing issues, including conflict resolution and performance management.
• Demonstrate willingness to work any shift as needed or required. 
• Build a culture of accountability and teamwork driving rigorous execution of base manufacturing systems.
• Utilize strong problem-solving skills to drive out losses in the operation.
• Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Effectively communicate (and listen) goals and strategies to deliver KPI’s.
• Demonstrate self-motivation with a high degree of personal accountability.
• Coach/develop supervisors and assist other managers in meeting plant goals and performance expectations.
• Create a culture of commitment to quality, safety, and teamwork in all functional areas.

Safety and Compliance:

• Promote and enforce adherence to food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, and health and safety policies.
• Conduct safety audits and training sessions for staff to ensure compliance with all safety standards.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and near-misses, preparing reports as necessary to improve safety protocols.
• Performance Monitoring.
• Track production outputs, equipment performance, and labor costs, analyzing data to identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present shift reports to upper management outlining production performance, quality issues, and staffing needs.
• Ensure that all equipment is operating effectively and safely, performing minor repairs or scheduling maintenance as needed.
• Work closely with maintenance personnel to address any significant equipment issues that may arise.

Inventory Control:

• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods, coordinating with the inventory management team to ensure adequate stock.
• Assist in the preparation of inventory and production reports, updating management on stock levels and requirements. Lead the assigned production supervisors to deliver product as scheduled, on time and in a cost-effective manner. 
• Coordinate production and shipping/receiving resources to deliver product as scheduled, on time and cost effectively.
• Implement food production processes, GMPs, SQF requirements to the standard.

Financial

• Develop and deliver budget (production and expense).
• Contribute to capital budgeting process and lead minor capital projects

The position responsibilities outlined above are not to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties and responsibilities may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

Knowledge and Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Technology or related field highly preferred.
• 5+ years of work experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in Manufacturing Execution Systems, NetSuite experience preferred.
• Must have strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across multiple levels of the organization.
• Able to effectively work with cross functional departments within the organization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with very limited supervision.
• Strong computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office applications. 
• Knowledge of autonomous maintenance and preventative maintenance programs.

Physical requirements:

• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment while performing job. (i.e. safety glasses, ear plugs, bump cap, hair net, steel toe rubber boots, gloves).
• May be required to work in hot environments (up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit) for intervals of 45 minutes. 
• May be required to work in cold and/or wet environments of a minimum of 0 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Must be able to constantly stand, stoop, walk, bend, push or pull for duration of shift, which may last up to 12 hours.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to clearly articulate verbal and written communication to all levels of management within the company.
• May work in Production or Warehouse storage areas.
• May be required to climb ladders/stairs.

Personal Attributes:

The Sara Lee Leader is one who:

• Role Models Integrity - Creates a culture of respect and inclusion, where all team members are empowered to contribute.
• Hones their Craft - Continually develops their skills and expertise to drive self, team, and company forward. Is intellectually curious, asking questions to inspire a better way.
• Values Partnerships - Frames the tough issues and works productively through them. Paves the way for their team to build relationships and collaborate effectively.
• Behaves Like a Business Owner - Perseveres toward a goal, despite obstacles and distraction. 
• Always Looks for Better Ways - Leads the charge to build capabilities, processes and systems where gaps exist. Actively coaches and mentors others.

Supervisory:  Operations Supervisors, Operations Lead personnel report to this position (2-5)

Travel:  Approximate 0-1% travel required and ability to tour facilities and grounds.

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.