Production Manager | 1st Shift

JB; Saint Michael (MN); On-site; USD 84,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental insurance

Company paid life insurance & AD&D

Tuition reimbursement

401K with company contribution

Gainsharing incentive program

Associate assistance program

Job summary

The J&B Group in Saint Michael, MN is seeking an experienced production leader to manage and develop a high‑performing team on 1st shift in a full‑time role. You will drive safety, quality, and operational excellence while coordinating labor, equipment, and processes to meet customer demand.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of leadership in manufacturing or meat processing, strong English communication, and proficiency in advanced MS Office; Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing or food production.
• Proven experience leading and developing supervisors and production associates.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication in English; bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Advanced Microsoft Office Product skills in PPTX, Outlook, Excel, Word, and SharePoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the production team while fostering a culture of Safety, Quality, and Operational Excellence
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate associates, build engagement, and create a positive work environment
• Possess a solid background in SQF, HAACP, GMPs, and food safety programs
• Preferred experience in meat processing operations, including primal and ground products
• Apply extensive knowledge of plant operations, manufacturing processes, and production workflows
• Effectively allocate labor, equipment, and resources to meet production goals and customer demand
• Coordinate workforce activities to maximize productivity, efficiency, and operational performance
• Optimize people, processes, and resources to achieve production, quality, cost, and service objectives
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, workplace safety, quality, and regulatory laws
• Monitor and improve KPIs related to safety, quality, yield, productivity, downtime, and labor efficiency
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving throughput, and increasing operational effectiveness
• Develop, coach, and hold supervisors and team members accountable for performance and results
• Conduct associate performance evaluations and support training and development
• Analyze production data and identify root causes of operational issues
• Drive associate engagement through effective communication, recognition, and team development
• Ensure proper staffing levels and support recruiting, onboarding, and retention efforts
• Demonstrate sound decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Skills

Leadership

Supervisors development

Time management

English communication

Spanish a plus

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Meat processing experience 10+ yrs

Tools

INFOR

M3

ERP

Red Prairie

WHS Management

Visio

Job description

• Competitive wages and paid time off plans
• Robust benefits package offered 1st of the month following 30 days:
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Company paid basic life insurance and AD&D coverage with additional supplemental coverage available
• Critical Illness and Voluntary Accident coverage available
• Other wonderful benefits available:
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Financial coverage provided towards safety footwear
• 401K Retirement Program with company contribution
• Gainsharing Incentive Program: Unlimited earning potential when company financial goal is achieved
• Associate Assistance Programs including but not limited to mental health resources, financial and legal support.
• Excellent Growth and Development Opportunities
• Job-specific Training Offered
• Personal Development
• Leadership Development

Why YOU should work for us!

• Competitive wages and paid time off plans
• Robust benefits package offered 1st of the month following 30 days:
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Company paid basic life insurance and AD&D coverage with additional supplemental coverage available
• Critical Illness and Voluntary Accident coverage available
• Associate Purchase Program: product purchase at discounted rate
• Other wonderful benefits available:
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Holidays, plus Floating Holidays
  • Financial coverage provided towards safety footwear
  • 401K Retirement Program with company contribution
  • Gainsharing Incentive Program: Unlimited earning potential when company financial goal is achieved
  • Associate Assistance Programs including but not limited to mental health resources, financial and legal support.
  • Excellent Growth and Development Opportunities
  • Job‑specific Training Offered
  • Personal Development
  • Leadership Development

Compensation

• Salary: Starting at $93,500 annually
• Pay is based on job-related experience
• This position is eligible for department specific incentives

Schedules

• Monday – Friday, exempt leadership role aligned with 1st Shift production operations. This position requires a visible and engaged leadership presence. The manager is expected to maintain regular on-site availability to support team members, address operational needs, provide coaching and guidance, and ensure the effective execution of business objectives
• Location: This position is at the St. Michael facility full time.

Essential Functions

• Lead and develop the production team while fostering a culture of Safety, Quality, and Operational Excellence
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate associates, build engagement, and create a positive work environment
• Possess a solid background in SQF, HAACP, GMPs, and food safety programs
• Preferred experience in meat processing operations, including both primal and ground products
• Apply extensive knowledge of plant operations, manufacturing processes, and production workflows
• Effectively allocate labor, equipment, and resources to meet production goals and customer demand
• Coordinate workforce activities to maximize productivity, efficiency, and operational performance
• Optimize people, processes, and resources to achieve production, quality, cost, and service objectives
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, workplace safety, quality, and regulatory laws
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, yield, productivity, downtime, and labor efficiency
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving throughput, and increasing operational effectiveness
• Develop, coach, and hold supervisors and team members accountable for performance and results
• Conduct associate performance evaluations and support training and development
• Analyze production data and identify root causes of operational issues
• Drive associate engagement through effective communication, recognition, and team development
• Ensure proper staffing levels and support recruiting, onboarding, and retention efforts
• Demonstrate sound decision‑making, problem‑solving, and communication skills in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

Required Skills And Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing or food production environment
• Proven experience leading and developing supervisors and production associates
• Strong time‑management and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication in English; bilingual (Spanish) a plus
• Advanced Microsoft Office Product skills in PPTX, Outlook, Excel, Word, and SharePoint

Preferred Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• 10+ years of meat processing operation experience, including primal and ground products
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement training/certification
• Other software systems: INFOR, M3, ERP, Red Prairie, WHS Management, and Visio

Physical And Environmental Factors

• Includes activities such as but not limited to walking, lifting, bending, stooping, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, twisting and turning
• Requires ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly and occasionally up to 100 lbs.
• Requires ability to stand for the entirety of the shift (minus breaks/rest periods) in addition continuously moving on and off the pallet jack.
• Subject to temperatures ranging from -10 degrees to 32 degrees constantly

The J&B Group, an Equal Opportunity Employer, wishes to make our Careers website accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.