Manager, Production

Bell•Northbrook, IL

16d

About The Position

The Production Manager manages day-to-day production activities at the Northbrook plant, providing leadership, guidance, and direction to achieve business and manufacturing goals while exceeding customer satisfaction goals. The role is responsible for maintaining employee safety, food safety, and product quality, and for ensuring production operations comply with Bell policies, SQF standards, and government regulations. The position directly supervises Compounders and Supervisors and works closely with production, operations, senior management, R&D, Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments. The manager supports production scheduling and on-time service, employee development and training, cost and KPI management, budgeting, inventory improvement, and equipment efficiency. The position participates in food safety and quality programs, including HACCP, GMP audits, Food Safety and Quality Development, and recall activities. It also leads improvement plans for productivity, equipment capacity, production workflow, and downtime. The role is based in a production and warehouse setting around food manufacturing equipment. Work may involve moderate noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures and humidity, food ingredients, and sanitation chemicals, with required PPE. The schedule may include extended hours, early or late shifts, weekends, and on-call support as business needs require; occasional travel within the facility or between company sites may also be required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Food Science and Technology, or a related technical field.
At least 3 years of food manufacturing or plant management experience.
Understanding of FDA, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
Ability to achieve HACCP, Food Defense, and SQF Practitioner certifications.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical ability, including conducting advanced analyses independently.
Independent, self-motivated, proactive team player with a strong work ethic.
Ability to communicate and interact daily with Production/Operations and senior management.
Ability to work in a production and warehouse setting around food manufacturing equipment.
Ability to stand and walk regularly throughout production, warehouse, and office areas; occasionally climb stairs or ladders and work on elevated platforms.
Ability to sit, operate a computer and other office or production equipment, and reach with hands and arms frequently.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 50 pounds, with assistance or mechanical aids as needed.
Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively to monitor production, respond to alarms, and direct employees.
Ability to work amid moderate noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures and humidity, food ingredients, and cleaning or sanitation chemicals while wearing required PPE.
Availability for schedule needs that may include extended hours, early or late shifts, weekends, and on-call support; occasional travel within the facility or between company sites may be required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of food ingredient processing.
Previous experience with ERP system implementation.

Responsibilities

Manage employees and production processes in accordance with Bell policies, SQF standards, and government regulations.
Meet customer on-time service goals through effective communication, production scheduling and execution, and effective use of equipment and manpower.
Develop new Standard Operating Procedures and ensure existing procedures are followed for production, sanitation, inventory transfers, and documentation.
Execute employee development plans, address employee issues, administer disciplinary actions as needed, and assist with employee evaluations.
Assist with execution of the department training program.
Help monitor and develop action plans for manufacturing costs, including labor, overtime, waste, and production supplies.
Help maintain KPIs, ensure goals are met, and develop improvement plans.
Participate in annual production budget preparation and assess equipment status and needs.
Participate in HACCP, GMP audits, Food Safety and Quality Development, and recall activities; provide backup support for Food Safety Team members.
Partner with R&D on new product commissioning, including critical control points, acceptance standards, and methods of analysis.
Lead efficiency projects and work with Maintenance and Engineering to minimize equipment downtime and improve output.
Develop and execute improvement plans for productivity, equipment capacity management, and production workflow.
Assist with execution of inventory management improvement plans.
Demonstrate safety leadership by establishing, observing, and enforcing safety rules and practices; encourage safe behavior and promptly correct unsafe conditions or behaviors.
Develop effective working relationships and proactive communication with other departments and internal and external customers.
Back up other area managers as needed and perform other duties as required.
Adhere to Bell safety policies, use required company-supplied PPE, participate in safety training, audits, and emergency preparedness drills, and comply with OSHA standards.
Maintain a safe and organized work environment and promptly report or address unsafe conditions.
Support compliance with FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, Organic, HACCP, DEA, FSMA, and other applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
Support compliance with SQF, Kosher, Halal, and other relevant food production requirements.
Uphold Food Defense and Food Safety procedures and support Bell’s Quality Systems Policy, including document control, product traceability, crisis management, allergen management, and ongoing training.