Manager, Production - Food Manufacturer

Mama’s Creations, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAMA) is a leading marketer and manufacturer of fresh deli prepared foods, found in over 8,500 groceries, mass, club and convenience stores nationally. The Company’s broad product portfolio, born as Mama Mancini’s, from a rich history in Italian foods, now consists of a variety of high quality, fresh, clean and easy to prepare foods to address the needs of both our consumers and retailers. Our vision is to become a one-stop-shop deli solutions platform, leveraging vertical integration and a diverse family of brands to offer a wide array of prepared foods to meet the changing demands of the modern consumer. For more information, please visit https://mamascreations.com.

The Production Manager will oversee day-to-day operations of the manufacturing plant and be responsible for managing production schedules, ensuring Grandma Quality and safety standards are met, optimizing workflows, and leading a team to meet production targets efficiently and cost-effectively. This role requires strong leadership skills to promote our culture of values: Commit to Craftsmanship, Nurture Relationships, and Honor Heritage. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to taking pride in their work, innovating within tradition, and fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, along with a deep understanding of food production processes and regulatory requirements, are also necessary. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Plan, coordinate, and control manufacturing processes to meet daily, weekly, and monthly production targets. Maintain an unwavering commitment to Grandma Quality while seeking innovative solutions that respect our time-honored methods. 

•    Supervise and motivate production staff, including supervisors, operators, and line workers. Foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment that values each team member’s contributions. Promote a culture of accountability, safety, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. Align labor with volume requirements and throughput goals to ensure sustainable practices. 

• Develop and implement training programs to ensure team members are properly trained/cross-trained on production procedures, safety protocols, equipment operation, and Grandma Quality standards. Encourage individual growth and learning, while celebrating team and individual achievements and milestones. 

• Ensure all products meet established Grandma Quality standards and comply with food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMP). Take pride in delivering excellence that reflects our heritage and earns the trust of our consumers. 

• Develop and maintain production and staffing schedules and resource plans to ensure efficiency in throughput and labor costs. Lead post-shift huddles to confirm schedule attainment, analyze shortfalls, document root causes, and support an open exchange of ideas for continuous learning. 

• Coordinate with procurement and warehouse teams to ensure raw materials and packaging supplies are available as needed. Track inventory levels for infrequently run items. Respect our partnerships with suppliers by fostering clear communication and collaboration. 

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency through lean manufacturing principles. Encourage team input to innovate within tradition and honor the craftsmanship behind every improvement. 

• Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols and lead initiatives to improve workplace safety and reduce incidents. Cultivate a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and protected. 

• Prepare and present production reports, performance metrics, and operational KPIs to senior management. Issue production status updates; flag delays caused by machinery, staffing, or materials. Use data to celebrate wins, identify growth areas, and inform sound decision-making. 

• Manage and monitor employee hours/overtime using ADP via the time clock system. Maintain fair and transparent practices that support employee well-being and work-life balance while ensuring operational efficiency. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; or equivalent experience. 

• 5+ years of production or operations management experience in a food manufacturing environment. 

• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, GMP, and other relevant regulatory requirements. 

• Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams in a manufacturing setting. 

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. 

• Proficient with manufacturing software (NetSuite preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and production planning tools. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Lean Six Sigma certification or experience with lean manufacturing techniques. 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish 

Work Environment & Essential Physical Requirements: 

• Stand/walk for extended periods of time 

• Wear appropriate protective/sanitary clothing/equipment 

• Maintain manual dexterity 

• Operate various manual and electric kitchen equipment 

• Reach 

• Lift/carry up to 60 pounds 

• Be exposed to extreme hot/cold temperatures