Production Manager - Processing

Position Summary:

To produce and control all phases of production at facility to achieve profit, growth, quality and safety goals in an union environment. To meet or exceed any external audits and internal audits. To insure product quality, customer service and meet or exceed standard costs, while operating within fixed overhead budgets while providing ethical leadership to supervisors and union employees.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Produce quality product that meets or exceeds food safety standards and specifications determined by Ventura Foods or outside regulating agencies (FDA, USDA, or County Health Dept.) Insure that production is at a level and is scheduled to consistently meet both customer service and Ventura Foods' distribution point requirements.
• Oversee all phases of the production process and review all maintenance needs within the department with the Maintenance management staff. Work with the Maintenance Department in controlling the R&M budget in this area and supporting the PM Program.
• Manage and drive the SIS Program through the department to insure that production standards are consistently met or exceeded while producing a consistently high quality product.
• Assist the Safety Program to meet goals established by Ventura Foods. Teach, train, improve techniques utilized by subordinates and the general workforce by developing standard operating procedures.
• Meet or exceed any and all external audits leading the internal audit groups and provide better QM techniques.
• Initiate, investigate, justify, prepare, implement and assist on all capital investments in the production facility.
• Maintain good employee morale, insure positive and accurate communications, initiate creative ideas, and encourage progressive thinking from all supervisors and hourly employees.
• Manage and control facility equipment to ensure we meet all environmental regulations of the Federal, Sate and local governments.
• Participate in preparation of standard costs for each product produced and in fixed overhead budgets. Meet or operate below established standard costs while operating within or below fixed overhead budgets.
• Responsible for assuring compliance with all Food Safety policies, procedures and regulatory criterion including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices, and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated Preventive Controls.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience. Five years of food manufacturing experience along with exposure to production scheduling, purchasing, warehouse and plant engineering/maintenance.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be a team builder, leader, and change initiator. Must be able to communicate accurately and clearly both orally and in writing using electronic media, telephone and direct contact with internal and external personnel. Skill set must include strong analytical, observation, and coaching skills coupled with initiative to create and embrace change. Knowledge of facility's packaging, equipment, and capacity is important. Operate standard office equipment and demonstrate competency in the use of standard software applications.