Production Manager

LAURA CHENELS CHEVRE•Petaluma, CA

4d•$95,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Marin French Cheese, a brand of Laura Chenel's Chevre, Inc. and subsidiary of the family-owned French dairy Tribillat, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee production and packaging operations at our Petaluma creamery. This position is responsible for production planning, employee management, food safety, quality standards, and operational efficiency while supporting the continued growth of one of the nation's most recognized artisan cheese brands. We are looking for a collaborative leader who can build high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the production of exceptional products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and workplace safety.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of food production experience.
Minimum of 5 years of people management experience.
Budget management experience required.
Proven experience leading teams in a food manufacturing environment.
Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
Strong leadership, communication, and employee development skills.
Ability to develop strategic plans and successfully implement actions.
Demonstrated experience overseeing production operations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and ERP systems.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency standards.
Frequent operation of computers and office equipment.
Ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods.
Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, lift, twist, pull, push, carry, grasp, reach, and stoop as needed.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures.
Ability to work around production equipment, machinery, and laboratory environments.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field highly preferred.
Experience in dairy manufacturing or cheesemaking preferred.
Knowledge of aged cheesemaking processes is a plus.
Familiarity with CDFA requirements and licensing preferred.

Responsibilities

Create an atmosphere of teamwork within the Production and Packaging departments and across all areas of the business.
Manage employee performance through coaching, feedback, performance evaluations, and corrective action when necessary.
Ensure employees follow established food safety, quality, production, and scheduling procedures.
Monitor departmental performance and ensure production targets are achieved.
Partner with the Plant Manager to maintain labor and production supply costs within budget.
Support the Quality Assurance team in monitoring and implementing food safety measures.
Collaborate with Human Resources and the Plant Manager to ensure proper staffing levels.
Work with HR on employee relations matters, including discipline, grievances, and complaints.
Develop and manage daily and weekly cheese production schedules to fulfill customer orders.
Coordinate milk, cream, and production supply requirements with Supply Chain and vendors.
Evaluate production capacity and communicate shortages or operational constraints to the Plant Manager.
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and productivity.
Support the development of new cheese products and manufacturing processes.
Ensure production records are completed accurately and maintained for operational reporting.
Analyze production data, losses, labor utilization, and efficiencies to identify improvement opportunities.
Develop and track departmental KPIs and provide regular reporting to management.
Monitor production metrics, including overtime, losses, and efficiency, and communicate results to leadership and employees.
Partner with leadership to support future growth initiatives and operational planning.
Participate in cheese evaluations and tastings to monitor product quality and consistency.
Ensure all production procedures are clearly documented, understood, and followed.
Support supervisors in training employees on production and quality procedures.
Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Conduct routine inspections and audits of production areas and records.
Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient production environment.
Lead regular meetings with Production and Packaging teams to communicate KPIs, priorities, and operational goals.
Meet with supervisors and leads to support their development and departmental responsibilities.
Communicate effectively with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other departments.
Ensure critical operational information is shared in a timely and effective manner.
Maintain and promote a safe work environment.
Actively participate in the company's safety culture and initiatives.
Attend and support monthly safety meetings and trainings.
Prioritize and schedule employee safety training.
Report unsafe conditions and assist with investigations as needed.