Production Manager - OV

Lakeside Foods • Owatonna, MN

4d • $82,100 - $102,600 • Onsite

About The Position

The Production Manager oversees daily production operations at Lakeside Foods’ Owatonna facility, driving safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the General Manager, the role leads through Production Supervisors and is accountable for achieving operational goals, developing employees, improving production performance, and ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance. The Production Manager also participates in plant leadership and cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Five or more years of manufacturing, production, or related operational leadership experience.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to coach, develop, and motivate teams.
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives and driving operational results.
• Working knowledge of food manufacturing operations, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to interpret production data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Ability to calculate figures and apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, ratios, and proportions.
• Proficiency with computers, business software applications, and production reporting systems.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain HACCP certification.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Three to five years of direct supervisory experience.
• OSHA 10/30-Hour Certification, or willingness to obtain it through company-sponsored training.
• HACCP Certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations through Production Supervisors to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and operational goals.
• Provide leadership, coaching, development, and direction to Production Supervisors and production personnel.
• Participate on the plant leadership team in developing and administering company policies, processes, strategies, and business objectives.
• Participate in management meetings and contribute to plant-wide operational initiatives and solutions.
• Monitor departmental performance and report on operational results, trends, and progress toward goals.
• Manage employee performance, coaching, development, and accountability in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Ensure employee time records are accurate and support production reporting requirements.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement corrective actions to improve productivity, attainment, and performance.
• Analyze production processes and data to identify trends, reduce waste, and drive continuous improvement.
• Use production systems and reporting tools to monitor performance and implement process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support operational alignment and project execution.
• Oversee HACCP, Preventive Controls, food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance programs within production operations.
• Participate on HACCP and Food Safety teams and support mock and actual product recalls.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, GMPs, SOPs, SSOPs, food safety standards, and applicable regulations.
• Ensure production teams are trained and equipped to work safely and effectively.
• Maintain focus on workplace safety, OSHA compliance, hazard communication, and chemical safety requirements.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance needs with plant teams to support safe, reliable operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Choice of three healthcare coverage options.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Health savings account with employer contribution and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement planning, including profit sharing and 401(k) match.
• Company-provided life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid time off including vacation, personal days, and holidays.
• Educational and professional development assistance.
• Wellness programs and fitness reimbursement.
• Dependent scholarship program.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Internships and apprenticeships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED