Production Manager (PDM001)

foregroundllc; Dammam; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Foreground is seeking a Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations in a high-throughput facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The role requires deep functional knowledge, team leadership, and strong operational foresight to ensure plant performance aligns with commercial and regulatory expectations.

Key objectives include driving production performance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement across multiple lines, with a focus on waste reduction and automation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing experience in food or FMCG, with at least 3 years in plant leadership.
• Strong understanding of cold chain, frozen food, or meat/poultry manufacturing.
• Familiarity with HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Translate demand into optimized daily and weekly production schedules.
• Submit daily performance reports with actionable insights to executives.
• Lead incident management, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions for downtime.
• Manage supervisors, team leaders, and operators with regular coaching.
• Ensure safety, hygiene, and GMP compliance across all lines.
• Oversee QA/QC collaboration for product integrity and audits.

Skills

Production leadership

Operations management

Team leadership

Data-driven decisions

GMP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Technology or Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Job description

Foreground is partnering with a market-leading frozen food manufacturer to appoint a results-oriented Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and ensure plant performance meets both commercial and regulatory expectations.

This is a critical leadership role within a high-throughput facility, requiring deep functional knowledge, team leadership capability, and operational foresight. The successful candidate will oversee production execution, performance governance, and quality adherence across multiple lines, while serving as a key enabler of operational stability and growth.

Key Objectives

• Own full accountability for manufacturing performance, leading a structured production organization across shifts and lines.
• Ensure uninterrupted output in alignment with demand plans, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Build a robust performance culture across teams, driving frontline ownership and leadership depth.
• Champion process optimization through waste reduction, automation, and manufacturing excellence tools.

Core Responsibilities

Production Oversight

• Translate demand and production plans into optimized daily and weekly schedules with full utilization of manpower, equipment, and materials.
• Submit daily production performance reports with insights and corrective actions directly to executive leadership.
• Lead incident management, root cause analysis, and escalation routines for downtime, deviations, or critical risks.

Leadership & Culture

• Manage a multi-level production organization including supervisors, team leaders, and operators.
• Conduct regular coaching, performance appraisals, and structured learning interventions.
• Foster a strong safety, hygiene, and GMP culture with zero tolerance for non-compliance.

Quality & Compliance

• Guarantee strict compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000, and internal food safety systems.
• Partner with QA and QC teams to close gaps, implement preventive controls, and uphold product integrity across all lines.
• Oversee sanitation, allergen management, and production readiness audits.

Optimization & Innovation

• Identify process inefficiencies and lead initiatives to improve yield, reduce scrap, and enhance line balance.
• Support automation projects, layout reengineering, and equipment upgrades in coordination with engineering and maintenance functions.
• Lead production readiness for new product launches and commercialization trials.

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Interface with planning, supply chain, maintenance, quality, and commercial functions to ensure seamless flow across operations.
• Participate in S&OP meetings, providing data-driven input on capacity, constraints, and readiness.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelors degree in Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing experience in food or FMCG, with at least 3 years in a plant leadership role.
• Strong understanding of cold chain, frozen food, or meat/poultry manufacturing environments.
• Certified in or deeply familiar with HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP, and regulatory inspection standards.
• Operational command of ERP and real-time production systems.
• Proven ability to lead teams in complex, fast-paced production environments.