Production Manager

See's Candies; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

See’s Candies in Burlingame, CA is seeking a seasoned candy-manufacturing leader to oversee all candy-making operations, ensuring safety, quality, and cost targets while aligning with ERP, scheduling, and production reporting.

You will lead a diverse team, manage staffing and training, and drive GMP compliance, process improvements, and KPI monitoring to sustain See’s tradition of quality and growth in the confectionery business.

Qualifications

• At least five years of management experience in a confectionery or quality food-manufacturing environment.
• Experience with inventory control, quality assurance, and control of process and product flow from raw material to finished goods.
• Excellent management and oral and written communication skills; Spanish is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, biological sciences, or food-related discipline or equivalent training.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel; experience with Warehouse Management, Purchasing, or Production Scheduling software systems.
• Proven ability to learn new technologies quickly and manage change efficiently, proactively and in a positive manner.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all candy-making operations, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, service, and cost.
• Manage ERP transactions related to scheduling, staffing, supply and ingredient planning, inventory control, and production reporting.
• Coordinate hiring and layoffs with Human Resources, ensuring compliance with labor laws and the Union contract; establish shift schedules.
• Supervise all production personnel, including training, development, and performance management; maintain SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, food safety, and production policies; provide technical guidance during plant operations.
• Promote safety and monitor KPIs related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Skills

Management experience

Leadership

Communication

Spanish (optional)

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, biological sciences, or food-related discipline

Tools

Warehouse Management software

Purchasing software

Production scheduling software

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Work is Sweet!

‘Quality without Compromise’ is not just a motto at See’s Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See’s Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See’s is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.

Job Description Summary:

This position is responsible for managing the candy making processes from raw materials to finished goods in accordance with See’s established standards of safety, quality, service, and cost. To manage operations personnel, equipment, raw materials, and execution of the production schedule to ensure an adequate supply of products to the Packing Department and Selling Divisions.

The pay range for this position is expected to be $100k-$110k annually; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversee all candy-making operations, ensuring adherence to company standards for safety, quality, service, and cost.
• Manage ERP transactions related to scheduling, staffing, supply and ingredient planning, inventory control, and production reporting to ensure consistent product availability for packing and distribution.
• Coordinate hiring and layoffs with Human Resources, ensuring compliance with labor laws and the Union contract. Establish shift schedules to support safe and efficient operations.
• Supervise all production personnel, including training, development, and performance management of supervisory and hourly staff. Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures and training programs for skilled positions in accordance with company policies and the Union contract.
• Ensure compliance with safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, and production policies. Monitor adherence to formulas and procedures, and provide technical guidance during plant operations, including startups and shutdowns, to minimize losses.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations at all levels and maintain required documentation.
• Promote a safe work environment by enforcing safety policies, ensuring completion of required training, and leading safety meetings.
• Monitor and report departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost to support operational goals and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a visible presence on the plant floor to ensure compliance with safety, quality, GMP, equipment operation, and waste management standards.
• Support the implementation of new methods, procedures, and systems to enhance quality and food safety. Lead food safety and quality initiatives in collaboration with the SQF Practitioner.
• Ensure all operations comply with company safety, food safety, and food defense standards.
• Identify and implement technological and process innovations to improve departmental performance.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the departmental budget, ensuring expenditures align with financial goals.
• Uphold and promote the company’s core values, including diversity and inclusion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least five years of management experience in a confectionery or quality food-manufacturing environment, which should include inventory control, quality assurance, and control of process and product flow from raw material to finished goods.
• Excellent management and oral and written communication skills. Spanish is a plus.
• Proven ability to provide leadership, motivation, and supervision to employees at all levels.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, biological sciences, or food-related discipline or equivalent training in food and management disciplines desired.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel. Experience with Warehouse Management, Purchasing, or Production Scheduling software systems desired.
• Proven ability to learn new technologies quickly and manage change efficiently, proactively and in a positive manner.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

See’s is an EOE

See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).