Lead Production Manager - Safety & Continuous Improvement

Coca-Cola HBC; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 107,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coca‑Cola Company in Allentown, PA is seeking a Production Manager to lead shifts, ensure safety, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations. You will drive cross-functional collaboration, coordinate with quality, scheduling, and maintenance teams, and champion continuous improvement through structured problem‑solving and data analytics.

Ideal candidates bring at least 5 years of production leadership, a technical background in engineering or manufacturing, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• 5 years of production or manufacturing experience, including previous team leadership responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience in driving operational performance across safety, quality, cost, and service metrics.
• Ability to lead teams through change and continuous improvement using structured problem-solving approaches.
• Strong technical aptitude with proficiency in computer systems, databases, and production monitoring tools; digital fluency and data literacy are key.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and influence team members and partners.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment, process, and systems challenges using analytical reasoning.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing best practices.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules aligned to business needs and manage shifts in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued and empowered.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift operations and ensure production plans are executed to deliver safety, quality, cost, and service standards.
• Partner with cross-functional teams in scheduling, quality, and maintenance to meet daily production targets and operational goals.
• Champion a culture of safety by driving adherence to workplace safety policies, addressing hazards, and ensuring all equipment meets operating standards.
• Monitor manufacturing processes, conduct performance checks, and take corrective actions using standard operating procedures to maintain consistency and compliance.
• Verify readiness of production lines during start-up and execute smooth product changeovers to optimize efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, quality, and operational standards, including KORE and ISO requirements.
• Review daily performance against key performance indicators and lead discussions on variances; create and track action plans for gap closure.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying root causes of performance issues, implementing corrective measures, and fostering an environment of innovation.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to improve equipment performance and reliability, reducing downtime and unplanned disruptions.
• Build strong, inclusive relationships with frontline team members by coaching, developing, and mentoring to strengthen capabilities and improve engagement.
• Use digital tools and data analytics to monitor operations, identify trends, and make data-informed process improvements.
• Support sustainability and operational efficiency objectives by minimizing waste and optimizing resource utilization.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

Data literacy

Communication

Problem solving

Technical aptitude

Change leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related field

Job description

The Coca‑Cola Company in Allentown, PA is seeking a Production Manager to lead shifts, ensure safety, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations. You will drive cross-functional collaboration, coordinate with quality, scheduling, and maintenance teams, and champion continuous improvement through structured problem‑solving and data analytics.

Ideal candidates bring at least 5 years of production leadership, a technical background in engineering or manufacturing, and strong