Production Systems & Continuous Improvement Manager -- SQF/ISO

Is this you?

• Do you thrive on balancing throughput with safety and food quality?
• Can you coach supervisors and teams while driving Lean and Six Sigma projects?
• Are you fluent in union environments and confident leading change?

What you’ll do

• Plan, direct, and coordinate daily production operations to achieve best-in-class safety, quality, service, productivity, and profitability.
• Advance programs that protect the safety, health, security, and welfare of employees.
• Keep the plant safe, clean, and orderly through rigorous 5S and environmental compliance.
• Enforce GMPs and food-safety systems that align to standards like SQF/ISO.
• Lead all production and production-support activities consistent with company policies, values, procedures, and standards.
• Mentor and coach your team using structured problem-solving to deliver sustainable results.
• Recommend and implement technical improvements that streamline processes and reduce waste.
• Partner with customers, sales, and internal/external resources to enhance service, flow, quality, and product value.
• Execute full supervisory duties: hiring, training, work assignment, performance reviews, rewards/discipline, and resolving complaints per policy and law.

Scenario: your impact in action

Imagine a high-demand product run with a tight delivery window. You reinforce GMP checks, confirm 5S readiness, and align staffing. Mid-shift, you facilitate a 5 Why on a micro-stoppage trend and adjust changeover standards, boosting OEE and protecting quality—all while communicating progress to sales and the customer.

Leadership scope & metrics

You directly lead supervisors and lead personnel, plus the hourly production workforce. You are accountable for: Turnover, Service, Quality, Cost, OEE, and Waste.

Experience & education

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent blend of ongoing education and experience.
• 5–7 years in manufacturing leadership (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated success leading change in a union environment.
• Proven results using TQM, Lean, and/or Six Sigma to improve cost, productivity, or profitability.
• Experience working within SQF or ISO frameworks.
• Technical leadership with structured problem-solving discipline.
• Clear communication with stakeholders at every level.
• Microsoft Office proficiency and readiness to learn new systems.
• Continuous Improvement or Black Belt certification preferred.

Toolbox & proficiencies

• Leadership / People Management
• Continuous Improvement
• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience
• Six Sigma Experience
• Workplace Safety & EHS Management
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Union experience

Physical requirements

• Lifting: minimum of 50 lbs.; Carrying: minimum of 50 lbs.
• Pulling: 2 hours; Pushing: 3 hours; Reaching above shoulders.
• Walking: 8 hours; Standing: 8 hours; Kneeling: 4 hours; Bending: 6 hours; Squatting: 6 hours; Climbing: 6 hours.
• Visual ability; Hearing ability.
• Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, push/pull levers & buttons, and operate various tools.

Our commitment to community and environment

• Reduces the impact of plastic and paper on the environment through recycling and increased recycled content.
• Sets a high standard of industry leadership and corporate citizenship.
• Creates meaningful benefits for the environment and the community.
• Facilitates environmental action by retailers and the community.

Other duties may be assigned as business needs evolve.