Senior Production Manager - Reser's Fine Foods

General Summary: Manages and directs production activities in a food manufacturing plant. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, directing and controlling all manufacturing activities. Works directly with General Manager to develop annual plant business plan and has the primary responsibility of implementing approved plans and programs to achieve overall company objectives. This position is responsible for ensuring and maintaining an efficient, high quality, cost effective, safety operating facility. Works directly with the QA Manager preparing for and conducting audits and is responsible for implementation and on-going compliance to regulatory requirements, quality standards, company policies, company procedures, company SOPs and all customer requirements. Work closely with the entire management team, including General Manager on initiatives to improve quality and reduce cost, develop skills and abilities of assigned staff, and proactively make recommendations and follow through on improving overall processing systems. Supervises and directs the following positions:  Production Manager, Supervisors, and other supervisory positions.

Benefits and Culture 

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to help employees live a healthier life, build rewarding careers and save for the future. Reser's offers choices whenever possible, because we recognize the diverse and ever changing needs of our employees. Full-time employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, AD&D, life, 401(k) with discretionary match, wellness programs, paid time off, company paid holidays and a variety of voluntary benefit options.

We strive to be your Employer of Choice. As one of our five cornerstones, this means that we go all-out to create an environment that shows we are committed to investing in employee growth and creating a culture of belonging where employees want to build a lasting career.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1.     Review, analyze and plan production strategies to increase operational accuracy, efficiency, quality and responsiveness of production operations.

2.     Plan strategies to optimize manufacturing capabilities, systems and equipment.

3.     Responsible for developing and implementing production plant policies, procedures, operations, and standardization.

4.     Confer with production supervisors to drive production initiatives supporting company objectives.

5.     Drives production strategies to reduce product waste.

6.     Communicates with complimentary departments (Quality Assurance; Research and Development, Risk Safety, Purchasing, Sales, Customer Service) reviewing policies and procedures directly related to plant operations.

7.     Assures that all departments are properly organized, staffed and directed and that employees are properly qualified, trained and supervised to perform their duties effectively.

8.     Direct and lead cost control and cost reduction initiatives and concepts... 

9.     Follows company safety guidelines and Good Manufacturing Practices.

10.  Responsible for meeting all Quality and Consistency standards as defined by annual objectives.

11.  Responsible for Plant Operations, Sanitation

12.  Responsible for implementation and maintenance of continuous improvements in the areas of food safety, personal and employee safety, quality, consistency and the physical plant.

13.  Responsible for fulfilling all the training needs of the organization

14.  Follow USDA, FDA, and OSHA guidelines

15.  Maintains high productivity identifies challenges and focuses on maintaining consistency of products.

16.  Attends and participates in all plant audits. Understands audit requirements and keeps plant in compliance with audit standards. Is responsible for plant audit results.

Job Specifications

1.     Requires a minimum of 5 years of production management or manufacturing management experience.

2.     Associate Degree in Business or a related field is required.  Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.

3.     Experience in quality control or understanding of quality requirements to meet specifications.

4.     Proficient using computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel and email with mastery.

5.     Experience with shop floor control (LX).

6.     Experience with implementing lean manufacturing methodologies.

7.     Proven ability to successfully manage aggressive timelines with expected results.

8.     Effective and proven problem solving skills.

9.     Superior verbal and written communication skills.

10.  Strong team leadership and team building skills.

11.  Experience in a highly regulated/controlled environment, including those governed by FDA, and the USDA.

12.  Possess outstanding analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.

13.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, employees and other organizations.

14.  Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

15.  English/Spanish bilingual is a plus.

Working Conditions

1.     Office and production environment.

2.     Refrigerated food manufacturing plant.

3.     Some exposure to hazardous materials.

4.     Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.

5.     The environment may be wet or dry and temperatures may range from 25°F to 110°F.

6.     Production demands require overtime and/or evening or weekend scheduling.

7.     Some travel is required.

This position is eligible for a bonus based on company goals/performance.

Recipe for Success

Reser’s is the leading provider of fresh refrigerated deli salads, side dishes, and prepared foods for the supermarket, club store, and food service industries. Family owned and operated, Reser’s has been a proud sponsor of good times at racetracks, picnics, BBQs, music festivals, and affordable family meals since 1950. Reser’s family of brands include Reser’s American Classics, Main St Bistro, Stonemill Kitchens, and more. With more than 4,500 employees, Reser’s operates 14 facilities in the US, Mexico, and Canada and actively supports the communities it serves.