Production Manager

Utz Brands, Inc.•Goodyear, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

At Utz Quality Foods, we’re looking for a hands-on and driven Production Manager to join our team in Goodyear, AZ. In this role, you’ll lead daily production operations while driving operational excellence, product quality, team performance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the production floor. With a strong focus on Lean manufacturing principles and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), this role supports efficiency, waste reduction, equipment reliability, and employee development while maintaining high standards for safety, food safety, and compliance.

Requirements

5+ years of processing and packaging equipment experience
Strong knowledge of packaging and processing operations in a manufacturing environment
Experience with Lean manufacturing, TPM, or continuous improvement systems preferred
Working knowledge of D365 and Redzone preferred
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and production planning skills
Leadership and supervisory experience with the ability to motivate and develop teams
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments
Flexibility to support business needs across multiple shifts as needed
Ability to perform moderate lifting and occasional skid pulling
Bilingual is strongly preferred, but not required
7+ years proven sales experience in a related position within the consumer products goods industry with direct account responsibility.
3+ years of experience utilizing syndicated data.
Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to analyze and evaluate several sources of data to develop actionable insights.
This position requires extensive use of computer equipment. Must have a demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft business software to include Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook. Familiarity with Nielsen or IRI programs is preferred.
Requires a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership presence and operational support across all shifts as needed to support business demands and production continuity
Lead daily production activities to meet production schedules while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, food safety, and cost efficiency
Partner closely with HR and Talent teams on staffing strategies, workforce planning, employee engagement, and associate relations
Build strong communication and collaboration across departments, including processing, packaging, and support teams
Monitor labor utilization, crew sizing, and operational performance metrics to improve productivity and line efficiency
Apply Lean manufacturing methodologies, including waste elimination, root cause analysis, and standard work practices to drive continuous improvement
Drive TPM initiatives by partnering with maintenance and operations teams to improve equipment reliability and operational uptime
Oversee training and development programs across all shifts to ensure employees are properly trained, engaged, and set up for success
Coach and develop supervisors and frontline employees through leadership support, accountability, and performance management practices
Champion waste reduction initiatives, including film and packaging waste improvement programs
Evaluate production processes and identify innovative solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality
Support and sustain Integrated Work Systems (IWS), reinforcing KPI ownership and operational standards
Promote and model a strong safety-first culture while ensuring compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, and SQF requirements
Support overall plant objectives through collaboration, problem-solving, and operational leadership