Production Manager

IPM Foods•Janesville, WI

About The Position

The Second Shift Production Manager leads production operations at the assigned NaturPak plant. The role is accountable for employee safety, food safety, product quality, staffing, production performance, and shift execution. The manager partners with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation to meet production schedules and maintain a clean, safe, and compliant operation. The manager leads second-shift supervisors, team leaders, and production employees; executes the production schedule; monitors production performance; and ensures compliance with approved procedures. The role includes managing staffing, employee training and performance, production records, shift handoffs, equipment issues, and corrective actions. The manager may stop work or production when safety, food safety, product quality, or equipment conditions are at risk. Final product disposition and release remain with authorized Quality personnel. Success is measured by safe operations and consistent food safety compliance, achievement of production schedules and quality requirements, reduced downtime and waste, and accurate production records and effective shift handoffs. This position primarily works second shift, with flexibility required for handoffs, overtime, weekends, and production needs. Exact hours will be communicated during the hiring process.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least three years of supervisory or management experience in food manufacturing.
Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety practices.
Experience managing production schedules, staffing, downtime, and performance metrics.
Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to make timely decisions, coach employees, and maintain accountability in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.
Regular presence on the production floor, including extended standing and walking.
Ability to work around operating machinery and in areas with varying temperatures, moisture, and noise.
Required use of PPE and compliance with hygiene, sanitation, and food safety practices.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Flexibility for shift handoffs, overtime, weekends, and production needs.

Nice To Haves

Degree in operations, manufacturing, food science, or a related field.
Experience in a USDA- or FDA-regulated food manufacturing facility.
HACCP certification, Lean manufacturing experience, or related training.
Bilingual communication skills relevant to the facility workforce.

Responsibilities

Lead second-shift supervisors, team leaders, and production employees, setting clear expectations and maintaining accountability.
Execute the production schedule and adjust staffing and resources to meet production targets.
Monitor throughput, downtime, waste, yield, and labor efficiency, and address issues preventing the shift from meeting goals.
Enforce GMPs, food safety procedures, allergen controls, sanitation requirements, and employee safety policies.
Verify that ingredients and packaging are approved for use, properly identified and protected, and within shelf life.
Ensure production records, process checks, temperature logs, and traceability documentation are accurate and completed on time.
Partner with Quality Assurance to address process deviations and place affected product on hold when necessary.
Ensure product disposition and release follow Quality Assurance authorization.
Conduct floor observations to verify standard work, housekeeping, equipment condition, and safe operating practices.
Stop unsafe work and escalate food safety concerns immediately.
Coordinate with Maintenance to resolve equipment failures and ensure repairs are completed safely.
Manage attendance, employee assignments, training, coaching, and performance concerns in coordination with Human Resources.
Ensure hourly production boards are updated and downtime reasons and corrective actions are documented.
Lead shift handoffs covering production status, product holds, equipment issues, staffing, and outstanding actions.
Coordinate production shutdowns and equipment turnover with Sanitation.
Investigate recurring losses and implement corrective actions to improve shift performance.
Provide a complete end-of-shift report to the Plant Manager.
Promptly escalate incidents, process deviations, product holds, and major equipment failures to appropriate plant leaders.
Adjust employee assignments and shift priorities within the approved production plan and staffing requirements.