Production Manager

CALICO COTTAGE INC • Belleville, IL

13d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a seasoned Production Manager to lead our fudge manufacturing production team, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and efficient production. The ideal candidate will combine culinary production expertise with strong technical skills in ERP systems (specifically Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) to optimize workflows, manage inventory, and maintain strict food safety standards.

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of experience in food production management, preferably in confectionery or bakery manufacturing.
• Proven experience working within an ERP system; hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central manufacturing modules is highly preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a team of production staff.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Food Safety Regulations (HACCP, FDA, GMP).
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills; ability to analyze production data and generate reports.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a scaling business, moving from manual processes to automated production.
• Knowledge of confectionery food science (sugar cooking, crystallization, etc.).
• Lean Manufacturing techniques (5S, waste reduction).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement daily/weekly production schedules in [Business Central] to meet demand, utilizing MRP/MPS functionality to track ingredients, packaging, and finished goods.
• Oversee the entire production cycle from raw ingredient receiving to final packaging, ensuring maximum yield, low waste, and timely delivery.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels for ingredients, packaging, and Work in Process (WIP) within Business Central. Release, track, and finish production orders, ensuring accurate cost tracking.
• Ensure compliance with all Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations, HACCP plans, SQF, and GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices). Maintain high-quality standards for fudge consistency, flavor, and texture.
• Supervise, train, and mentor production personnel to foster a culture of quality, safety, and productivity. Set and track KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for the production team.
• Schedule routine maintenance of production equipment (e.g., kettles, tables, cooling systems) to minimize downtime.
• Identify and implement improvements to production workflows to reduce costs and increase productivity.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Paid Time Off Plan and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and/or Dependent Care Expenses
• Length of Service Awards
• Employee Assistance Program (employee benefit program that assists employees with personal problems and/or work-related problems that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being).
• 401(k) Plan
• Life/AD&D Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed