What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Production position at Elephants Food Group Inc?
About Elephants
A locally owned company since 1979, Elephants Delicatessen pioneered the gourmet food industry in the Pacific Northwest and now has eight Portland-metro area retail locations and a busy catering company, all serving great local foods prepared from scratch. A certified B Corporation, Elephants Delicatessen prides itself on sustainable practices and voluntarily meets a higher standard of transparency and accountability, using the power of business as a force for good.
About the job
The Director of Production ensures our two food production facilities' safe, efficient, collaborative, and professional operation. This leader will oversee the profit and loss of the food production division of the company serving the needs of Elephants Delicatessen and Wholesale customers. This leader will lead the facilities with the goal of operating these facilities and the wholesale business profitably, meeting agreed service levels. This role involves hands-on decision-making in planning, logistics, production, distribution, and culinary operations, demonstrating leadership, integrity, rigor, and resourcefulness to maintain quality, consistency, and profitability. Key responsibilities include leading kitchen operations, menu and recipe development, and recruiting and training culinary and production talent. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food manufacturing operations and will lead food safety and compliance efforts for products produced at Elephants’ facilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish business processes, quality, product costing, and efficiency standards.
- Collaborate on menu development to improve food quality and control costs.
- Supervise large-scale food production and staffing.
- Assist with menu engineering and culinary programs.
- Oversee interviewing, hiring, and supervision of staff.
- Develop and coordinate staff training programs.
- Ensure compliance with quality, sanitation, and safety standards including USDA.
- Manage procurement, production planning, and distribution.
Qualifications
- At least 10 years of experience in the food and beverage industry in a senior-level leadership role in operations or food production
- Bachelor's degree in food science, business administration, or a related field
- Production planning, production management, and quality management skills
- Experience in manufacturing processes
- Expertise in strategic planning
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Excellent problem-solving abilities
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and standards
- Current Serve Safe or Oregon Food Handlers certification
Elephants Delicatessen 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.
