Manager, Production

Bell Flavors & Fragrances•Northbrook, IL

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Manager manages production activities at the Northbrook plant, with responsibility for exceeding customer satisfaction goals and ensuring employee safety, food safety, and product quality policies and procedures are met. The role provides day-to-day leadership, guidance, and direction to support business and manufacturing goals. The manager oversees employees and production processes in accordance with Bell policies, SQF standards, and government regulations; supports customer service, production scheduling, operating procedures, employee development, training, cost management, KPIs, budgeting, food safety programs, and inventory improvements. The role leads efficiency and productivity initiatives and partners with Maintenance, Engineering, and R&D on equipment performance and new product commissioning. It also promotes effective communication and collaboration across departments and provides backup for other area managers as needed. The position is classified as a supervisor and directly supervises Compounders and Supervisors. Work takes place in production, warehouse, and office areas in a manufacturing environment with moderate noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures and humidity, and exposure to food ingredients and sanitation chemicals. Required PPE must be worn. The schedule may include extended hours, early or late shifts, weekends, and on-call support as business needs require.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science 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 interact daily with the Production/Operations team, including 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 operations, respond to alarms, and direct employees.
Ability to work amid moderate noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures and humidity, and exposure to food ingredients and cleaning or sanitation chemicals while wearing required PPE.
Schedule availability may include extended hours, early or late shifts, weekends, and on-call support as business needs require.

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 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, and administer disciplinary actions as needed.
Assist with employee evaluations and department training.
Help monitor and develop action plans for manufacturing costs, including labor, overtime, waste, and production supplies.
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 & Quality Development, and Recall activities; serve as backup for a Food Safety Team member.
Partner with R&D on new product commissioning, including critical control points, acceptance standards, and analysis methods.
Lead efficiency projects and work with Maintenance and Engineering to minimize equipment downtime and improve output.
Develop and execute plans to improve productivity, equipment capacity management, and production workflow.
Assist with inventory management improvement plans.
Establish, observe, and enforce safety rules and practices; encourage safe behaviors and promptly correct unsafe conditions and 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.
Follow Bell safety policies, use required company-supplied PPE, participate in safety training, audits, and emergency drills, comply with OSHA standards, and report or address unsafe conditions.
Support compliance with applicable FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, Organic, HACCP, DEA, FSMA, local, state, and federal regulations and with SQF, Kosher, Halal, and other relevant food production requirements.
Uphold Food Defense and Food Safety processes and support Bell’s Quality Systems Policy, including document control, traceability, crisis management, allergen management, and training.