Assistant Production Manager

CAVA Products East; Montpelier Forest (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary plus bonus

Early Wage Access

Six paid holidays annually

Paid sick leave

Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance

401(k) enrollment with CAVA contribution

CAVA restaurant employee discount

Casual work environment

Job summary

CAVA - Products East is seeking an Assistant Production Manager to oversee daily operations on the production floor. This key leader will act as a resource for frontline team members, coordinating activities across departments and ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards. Candidates should have 2–4 years of experience in food manufacturing and a strong background in operations management. This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in a food manufacturing or production environment, preferably with leadership experience.
• Ability to maintain team alignment in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with food manufacturing processes and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the go-to resource for frontline associates, providing guidance on processes.
• Assist in coordinating production activities to meet schedules and uphold standards.
• Monitor production flow and escalate concerns promptly.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Technical knowledge in food safety

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or Food Science

Job description

Assistant Production Manager

The Assistant Production Manager serves as a key leader on the production floor, acting as the primary resource for frontline team members and a direct link to plant leadership. The role supports day-to-day operations across production departments—Ingredient Prep, Batching, Filling, and Packaging—ensuring adherence to schedules, quality standards, and safety protocols. The Assistant Production Manager is a hands‑on leader who answers frequent team member questions, resolves issues quickly, and drives alignment with production and company goals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the go‑to resource for frontline associates, providing guidance on processes, troubleshooting, and daily priorities.
• Assist in coordinating production activities across departments to meet schedules and uphold quality and safety standards.
• Communicate effectively with the Assistant Plant Manager and Production Supervisors to ensure smooth operations and timely issue resolution.
• Monitor production flow and escalates concerns promptly to minimize downtime and maintain efficiency.
• Participate in daily shift huddles to reinforce priorities and share updates.
• Support coordination of maintenance and sanitation activities.
• Uphold Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and ensure compliance with food safety protocols.
• Support FSQA initiatives by monitoring process controls and documentation accuracy.
• Immediately address and escalates any deviations, quality issues, or non‑conformances.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and safety‑first culture on the production floor.
• Provide informal coaching and feedback to team members to encourage growth and accountability.
• Model CAVA’s mission, values, and leadership behaviors.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve yields, and optimize labor efficiency.
• Support implementation of new processes and equipment to enhance productivity.
• Analyze downtime, yields, and labor data to identify improvement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience: 2–4 years in food manufacturing or production environment, with prior leadership or lead experience preferred.
• Education: High school diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Food Science, or related field preferred.
• Leadership: Ability to lead by example, answer questions, and maintain team alignment in a fast‑paced environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with food manufacturing processes and safety standards.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Understanding of HACCP, GMPs, and regulatory compliance.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Bilingual: English/Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Physical dexterity, ability to lift up to 45 lbs and push/pull rolling bowls, carts, and containers with up to 550 lbs of product.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions (dry, cold).
• Ability to stand and work on feet for 8 to 10 hours at a time.
• Must be able to identify, assess, and observe detail.
• Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively.
• Ability to squat, kneel, bend and twist.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Allergens: Products contain milk and sesame‑containing ingredients; employees must be able to work with these ingredients.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, plus bonus and long‑term incentives*
• Early Wage Access!
• Six paid holidays annually
• Paid sick leave
• Vacation accrual beginning at 3rd month
• Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance and more!
• 401(k) enrollment with CAVA contribution
• Company‑paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
• CAVA restaurant employee discount
• Casual work environment
• Opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
• All employees are eligible for benefits
• Compensation range posted includes total cash

* Indicates qualifying eligible positions only

As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.