Production Manager

Newrest; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Newrest is seeking a Production Manager in San Diego to lead our hot kitchen, cold kitchen, and tray setup teams. You will drive high-quality food production, oversee department performance, and build strong teams in a start-up operation.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, safety, and client satisfaction. You will manage processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with Newrest standards, while mentoring staff and promoting accountability and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a similar position, preferably in inflight catering or airport hub environment, food production, or another kitchen environment.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; high school diploma required as baseline.
• Strong leadership with ability to manage multiple non-exempt employees and drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Production department and supervise all department employees.
• Motivate and inspire the team to perform above expectations and adhere to policies.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, and health & safety regulations.
• Communicate with client representatives and internal stakeholders; manage stock needs with warehouse.
• Identify operational issues and implement action plans to prevent disruptions.

Skills

Leadership

Start-up experience

Lean manufacturing

HACCP & food safety

Communication

Problem solving

MS Excel

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

High School Diploma

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Newrest is looking for a Production Manager who will play a key role in leading our production operations, overseeing the hot kitchen, cold kitchen, and tray setup (TSU) teams, and ensuring efficient, high-quality food production. In this role, you'll manage departmental performance, develop strong teams, improve operational efficiency, and maintain Newrest's high standards for quality and food safety while building a positive workplace that promotes accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.This role in a start-up operation is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact, drive improvements in efficiency, recruitment, and retention, and help establish a strong foundation for long-term success. You'll also have the opportunity to grow your leadership skills and advance your career with Newrest, an international company with opportunities to learn, develop, and take on new challenges.We're looking for a leader who embraces change, develops people, sets clear expectations, and inspires teams to deliver results while maintaining high standards for quality and safety.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSSupervisory and Management• Oversee the Production department• Manage and supervise the work of all employees within the department• Motivate and inspire team members to perform above expectations through proper recognition methods and programs.• Ensure that all policies and procedures are followed by Newrest and client's requirements• Communicate effectively with all crew members and team members• Hold team members accountable for all expectationsOperational• Take ownership of the operations by taking full responsibility of anything within the department• Ensure that all carts are filled accurately in a timely manner and with high quality according to the datasheets and clients' requirements• Ensure that processes are as efficient as possible• Empower team members to identify and resolve operational issues• Bring up to management's attention any concerns and recommendations to such concerns• Communicate with the warehouse department of any stock item needs• Foresee needs or problems that may arise and have action plans in place to avoid production disruptions• Clearly and confidently communicate with client representatives as needed• Fill in as needed to maintain flow of operationsQHSE• Ensure compliance with all applicable requirements related to product and service quality, environmental standards, food safety, and health and safety regulations.• Support the availability of resources and necessary competencies to maintain and enhance integrated management systems (IMS).• Uphold commitments to environmental and social responsibility in alignment with the Be the Change CSR charter.• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by preventing work-related injuries and illnesses, eliminating hazards, and reducing health and safety risks.• Facilitate systems for joint consultation and participation with employees and their representatives as needed.• Drive continuous improvement and consistently seek to enhance IMS performance.• Effectively communicate the organization's vision, goals, and performance both internally and to relevant external stakeholders.Human Resources• Interview and determine the individuals to join your department• Approve time off requests and other leaves of absences• Perform performance reviews for all department team members• Approve all timecards and resolve timecard discrepancies• Mentor and coach team members and provide corrective actions as required• Regular and timely attendance is expected for the position.• Perform other duties as assigned.PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.This role requires constant standing and frequent walking throughout the workday. Occasional physical activities include pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying items weighing 25–50 lbs, as well as bending, sitting, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs or ladders, reaching overhead, and gripping objects. The position is primarily performed indoors, with occasional work outdoors. Employees may frequently be exposed to high and cold temperatures, while exposure to loud noise, fumes, dust, and chemicalsEDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS• High School Diploma required• Bachelor's degree preferred• Minimum 2 years' experience in similar position, preferably in inflight catering or airport hub environment, food production, or another kitchen environment• Minimum 2 years' experience in leadership roles overseeing multiple non-exempt employeesKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES• Strong leadership experience with experience in start-up or turnaround environments• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate with non-exempt to upper management levels• Ability to effectively handle conflict and de-escalate emotionally charged situations• Good understanding of OSHA, HR, and other employment laws• Good knowledge of investigation procedures and root cause analysis• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and operational processes• Strong knowledge of HACCP & food safety standards• Strategic thinker with creativity and excellent problem solving and decision-making skills• Resilient self-starter, who can act independently and learn quickly within a rapidly evolving environment• Ability in showing self-initiative and follow-through• Detail-oriented and ability to see big picture• Strong ability with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint• Excellent organizational and motivational skills• Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability• Strong analytical skills for interpretation of data to effectively manage risk• Ability to effectively collaborate with site operations, functional leaders and external clients and vendors