Manufacturing Manager

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Manufacturing Manager to lead our fast-growing production facility in the Deerfield area. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food-grade, nutraceutical, or confectionery production—with a specific emphasis on gummy manufacturing.

You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily plant operations, ensuring that production targets are met safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with industry quality standards. If you are a continuous-improvement-minded leader who excels at building high-performing teams and scaling production processes, we want you to lead our operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Leadership: Direct and oversee all daily manufacturing activities including weighing, batching, cooking, depositing, sanding, and bulk packaging.
• Process Optimization: Drive operational efficiency through Lean Manufacturing principles, focusing on minimizing downtime, reducing waste, and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices), FDA regulations (such as Title 21 CFR Part 111), and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor production supervisors and floor staff. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Production Scheduling: Collaborate with Supply Chain and Planning departments to align production schedules with demand forecasts and inventory requirements.
• Equipment & Maintenance: Partner with the Maintenance and Engineering teams to ensure all high-speed production and packaging equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and operational.
• Budgeting & KPIs: Manage the departmental budget, track labor costs, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) directly to senior leadership.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Industry Experience: 7+ years of progressive manufacturing management experience within the food, dietary supplement, or nutraceutical industries.
• Gummy/Confectionery Expertise: Direct, hands-on experience in gummy manufacturing (pectin, gelatin, starchless depositing, curing, etc.) is highly preferred.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of FDA regulations, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), and strict food safety guidelines.
• Leadership Skills: Proven track record of managing large cross-functional teams and successfully scaling operations.
• Technical Aptitude: Strong understanding of automated manufacturing equipment, HMI control panels, and batch production systems.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing, Business Management, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and extensive industry experience).

Preferred Certifications & Training

• Continuous Improvement: Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt) or Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Quality & Safety Certifications: SQF (Safe Quality Food), PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual), or NSF-certified GMP training.
• Specialized Training: Technical training in Confectionery Science, Sugar Chemistry, or certifications such as the SME Certified Manufacturing Associate.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary of $150,000 / year.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available for highly qualified out-of-state candidates.
• Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision).
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• The opportunity to lead a facility and shape the operational culture of a rapidly growing company.