FOOD PRODUCTION MANAGER (MANUFACTURING PLANT) - LENEXA, KS

Compass Group USA; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

Compass Group USA (Canteen) is seeking a Food Production Manager for the Lenexa, KS manufacturing plant. You will plan, direct, and coordinate daily production operations to deliver high-quality ready-to-eat foods while ensuring safety and compliance.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in food production/operational management, strong cost control, and excellent communication abilities. A bilingual background supports a diverse workforce, with relocation assistance available.

Qualifications

• Bilingual capability to support a diverse workforce.
• BS in Food Service Technology/Management or related field preferred.
• 4+ years of hands-on food-service or food manufacturing ops experience.
• Strong understanding of food and catering trends with emphasis on quality, sanitation, cost control and presentation.
• ServSafe certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of fresh food production with ownership and accountability.
• Plan and coordinate daily production activities for timely, efficient results.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
• Maintain compliance with meal requirements, recipes, sanitation and safety standards.
• Oversee food preparation, storage, labeling, sanitation, and regulatory adherence.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop production staff to meet goals.
• Build positive relationships with associates, management, clients, and customers.
• Collaborate with department managers and the Director of Operations to align priorities.
• Participate in safety and quality meetings to support improvements.
• Ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance and policy adherence.

Skills

Leadership

P&L responsibility

Communication

Microsoft Office

Bilingual English/Creole/Spanish

ServSafe certification

Food industry experience

Education

BS in Food Service Technology/Management

Associate degree + 4+ years related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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FOOD PRODUCTION MANAGER (MANUFACTURING PLANT) - LENEXA, KS

***Candidates requiring relocation are encouraged to apply; relocation assistance is available.

Salary: $85,000 - $90,000 / year

Other Forms of Compensation: Yearly Bonus Opportunity

Fresh & Ready Food Group is a member of Canteen. Canteen sets the national standard for excellence in automated retail, and EVERY segment of our business is thriving. We employ the best team in the industry and their dedication, collaboration and passion fuel our growth. YOU bring enthusiasm, customer service, and commitment; we’ll supply the opportunity and innovation. TOGETHER we’ll continue transforming the micro-market, dining, coffee, and vending industry.

Come grow with us. We are Canteen.

Job Summary

The Production Manager (Ready-to-Eat Foods) is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating daily production operations within a food manufacturing facility. This role ensures the efficient preparation and timely delivery of high-quality finished food products while maintaining strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards. The Production Manager leads and develops production staff, manages operational and financial performance, and partners with cross‑functional leadership to drive continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of fresh food production with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Plan and coordinate daily production activities to ensure timely, efficient, and high-quality food preparation.
• Manage operational financials, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
• Maintain compliance with meal requirements, standardized recipes, portion controls, and quality standards.
• Oversee food preparation, storage, labeling, sanitation, and adherence to all regulatory and food safety requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels, investigate discrepancies, and ensure accurate food safety and production records.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop production staff to meet operational and performance goals.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with associates, management, clients, and customers.
• Partner closely with department managers and the Director of Operations to align daily production priorities.
• Participate in management, safety, and quality meetings to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance while enforcing company policies and procedures.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bilingual in English/ Haitian Creole/ French or English/ Spanish required to support a diverse workforce.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Service Technology, Food Management, or a related field preferred; or associate degree with a minimum of four (4) years of directly related experience.
• Four (4) or more years of hands‑on food‑service or food manufacturing operational management experience.
• Demonstrated background in fresh, prepared, and ready‑to‑eat food production environments.
• Strong understanding of food and catering trends with an emphasis on quality, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
• Proven experience with P&L responsibility is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of financial, budgetary, accounting, and operational metrics.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with hourly staff, management, and clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, email systems, and internet‑based tools.
• ServSafe® certification preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work 8-10 hours per day based on operational needs.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in refrigerated environments (34°F-40°F).
• Ability to push, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fresh, refrigerated, or frozen food manufacturing operations.

Canteen is a member of Compass Group USA

Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Canteen maintains a drug‑free workplace.