Production Manager

Industrial Resource Group; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Industrial Resource Group in Rockville, MD leads a cheese production operation focused on delivering safe, high-quality dairy products while optimizing yield and efficiency. The role emphasizes technical ownership of cheesemaking processes, operational execution, and continuous improvement with strong cross-functional collaboration.

The position requires leadership of supervisors and operators, adherence to GMP/HACCP standards, and the ability to drive process improvements in a disciplined

Qualifications

• Experience in safety, quality, and cost control in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop supervisors and operators.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day cheese and related processing production activities.
• Oversee production planning and scheduling to meet customer needs.
• Provide technical oversight of cheesemaking processes and yields.
• Lead continuous improvement using lean tools and SOPs.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and supply chain teams.
• Develop supervisors and operators through coaching and performance management.
• Ensure GMP, HACCP, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.

Job description

This role provides overall leadership and operational direction for cheese production and associated processing areas, including intake, concentration, and downstream operations. The position is accountable for delivering safe, high-quality dairy products while optimizing yield, efficiency, cost, and workforce performance. The manager builds a disciplined manufacturing environment capable of meeting current production demands and supporting future improvements through process optimization, people development, and cross-functional collaboration. The role emphasizes technical ownership of cheesemaking processes, operational execution, and continuous improvement while maintaining strong alignment with safety, quality, and customer requirements.

Manufacturing & Operational Leadership

Direct day-to-day production activities across cheese and related processing areas, ensuring performance targets for safety, quality, cost, delivery, and employee engagement are achieved. Oversee production planning and execution, including daily and weekly scheduling to meet customer and business requirements. Ensure manufacturing operations are executed efficiently while maintaining compliance with food safety, quality, and sanitation standards. Analyze operational metrics and trends to identify risks, opportunities, and improvement priorities.

Process Control & Product Quality

Provide technical oversight of cheesemaking processes, formulations, and processing parameters to ensure consistent product performance and yield optimization. Lead troubleshooting efforts for process deviations, equipment challenges, and quality issues, utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies. Partner with quality leadership to determine appropriate disposition of product based on specifications and customer requirements. Ensure equipment, utilities, and facilities are maintained in sanitary and production-ready condition.

Continuous Improvement & Systems Development

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, labor efficiency, and process reliability. Apply lean manufacturing principles and structured improvement tools to enhance operational performance. Ensure standard operating procedures are developed, documented, maintained, and effectively deployed across manufacturing activities. Lead change management efforts related to new processes, trials, recipes, and operational updates.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with maintenance and engineering teams to plan and execute capital projects, equipment upgrades, and preventative maintenance activities. Coordinate with supply chain, purchasing, and logistics partners to ensure material availability and timely order fulfillment. Act as a collaborative partner across departments to align operational priorities and support enterprise initiatives.

People Leadership & Development

Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to supervisors, team leads, and operators. Develop leadership capability within the supervisory team to strengthen execution and accountability. Support effective staffing, training, performance management, and succession planning. Ensure consistent application of company policies, including corrective action processes, in partnership with human resources.

Safety, Compliance & Administration

Promote and enforce safety programs and safe work practices to reduce incidents and improve overall workplace safety. Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, and regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate production, quality, safety, and sanitation records. Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitoring labor, materials, overhead, and shrink to meet financial objectives.