Production & Quality Control Manager

Los Poblanos•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The Production and Quality Control Manager leads all manufacturing, packaging, and quality operations for our body care, food, and lifestyle product lines. This role combines hands-on production management with ownership of the quality management system, ensuring products meet internal standards and regulatory requirements. The Manager maintains a strong floor presence while building the systems and team capabilities needed to support continued growth. This position oversees the Production Floor Supervisor and production team.

Requirements

5–7 years in manufacturing or production operations, with at least 2 years in a management or supervisory role
Strong understanding of production planning and manufacturing processes in a multi-product environment
Experience building or managing quality systems in a regulated environment (cosmetics, personal care, food, or pharmaceutical)
Working knowledge of FDA cosmetic regulations, GMPs, and quality management principles or similar industry
Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a hands-on production setting
Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
Always presents a clean appearance and follows the dress code to suit work tasks
Must be able to sit, stand, bend, squat, reach, and walk 8 hours a day
Must be able to grasp, lift, and carry 50 lbs. in short intervals throughout the day

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience in body care, cosmetics, natural products, or artisan/small-batch manufacturing
Familiarity with ERP or inventory systems such as Fishbowl
Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or formal continuous improvement methodologies
Knowledge of essential oils, botanical ingredients, or natural product formulation
Experience with food safety standards in addition to cosmetic manufacturing
Interest in organic farming, agriculture, and sustainability

Responsibilities

Plan, schedule, and oversee daily manufacturing and packaging across all product lines, balancing priorities across multiple sales channels
Optimize batch sizing, sequencing, and changeovers to maximize throughput and minimize downtime
Participate hands-on in batching, filling, labeling, pack-out, and troubleshooting as needed
Coordinate with Procurement and Warehouse teams to align schedules with material availability, seasonal demand, and delivery commitments
Monitor and report on production output, labor utilization, and efficiency metrics
Monitor equipment operation and coordinate maintenance as needed
Develop, implement, and maintain the quality management system including incoming inspection, in-process checks, and finished goods release
Establish and enforce GMPs across all production areas, ensuring compliance with FDA cosmetic regulations and applicable food safety standards
Maintain quality documentation including batch records, inspection logs, deviation reports, and certificates of analysis
Own quality standards for essential oils and botanical ingredients, working closely with the Lead Distiller on consistency and quality
Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager on quality assurance including material specifications, incoming inspection processes, and vendor compliance
Supervise the Production Floor Supervisor and production team; provide direction, coaching, and accountability
Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and support professional development
Ensure all team members are trained on SOPs, GMPs, safety protocols, and quality standards
Manage scheduling, shift coverage, overtime, and time-off decisions
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety standards across all production areas
Identify and resolve inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and recurring issues in production and quality processes
Develop and maintain SOPs for production and quality operations across all product categories
Drive lean manufacturing practices and waste reduction
Support product development with input on manufacturability, quality requirements, and scalability
Contribute to make-vs.-buy decisions considering quality, cost, and capacity
Ensure all production and quality documentation is accurate, current, and audit-ready
Manage labeling compliance, including INCI declarations for body care and nutrition/ingredient panels for food products, lot coding, and expiration dating
Maintain product formulation records, safety data, and regulatory filings
Support recall readiness, traceability systems, and product disposition procedures
Perform other duties as assigned
Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily manufacturing and packaging operations across multiple product lines to meet production schedules, quality standards, and delivery commitments.
Manage and maintain the production workflow, including batch planning, sequencing, equipment utilization, and troubleshooting to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
Develop, implement, and maintain the organization’s quality management system, including incoming inspections, in-process quality checks, finished goods release, and quality documentation.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards, including FDA cosmetic regulations, applicable food safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and internal quality protocols.
Supervise and develop the production staff, including the Production Floor Supervisor and the production team, through training, coaching, scheduling oversight, and performance management.
Maintain accurate production and quality documentation, including batch records, inspection logs, traceability documentation, and regulatory compliance records.
Monitor production performance and quality metrics, analyze operational data, and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and support scalable growth.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement, warehouse, purchasing, and product development, to align production planning with material availability, product quality standards, and operational capacity.
Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production, safety, sanitation, and quality processes.
Ensure safe, organized, and compliant production environments, including oversight of cleanliness, safety protocols, and proper equipment use.