Production Manager II

Refresco; Paw Paw (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

HSA Benefits

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Pet Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Holidays

Vacation & Sick Time

Well-being Benefit

Total Rewards

Job summary

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is seeking a Production Manager II to drive and optimize the production process and lead the Plant Production team toward safety, quality, and cost targets.

You will mentor supervisors, manage training, and coordinate cross‑department efforts to improve yields and prevent downtime. The role requires proven leadership in a fast-paced beverage setting, strong Excel/SAP skills, and a focus on lean principles and quality programs.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a high-speed beverage production environment preferred. Ability to independently and efficiently operate and troubleshoot required manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure.
• Organized and detail oriented, adaptable to change.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and Power Point.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
• Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
• Leads and directs the work of other employees and has responsibility for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
• Provides training, direction and instruction and conducts performance evaluations.
• Provides guidance and training on work standards and expected outcomes.
• Accountable for planning and evaluating performance, staff training and development, recruitment and may contribute to pay recommendations.
• Conduct daily meetings as required with direct reports to identify and resolve issues.
• Collaborate closely with all departments to improve quality, drive efficiencies, increase yields, and eliminate out-of-specification or damaged products. Foster a positive team environment to promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Possesses a practical understanding of SQF and HACCP and can address inquiries related to both.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and adhere to a production manufacturing schedule, effectively communicate issues or deviations with the appropriate parties and respond to inquiries.
• Ability to mobilize resources and lead efforts to reduce unscheduled downtime.
• Follow all Quality Control and Production line standard operating procedures.
• Perform minor machine maintenance as well as daily and weekly preventive maintenance.
• Conduct required GEMBA walks through the plant.
• Supports and encourages a culture of Refresco Values.
• Develops strategies focused on energy and waste minimization.
• Participates in the development of the annual department budget & strategic long-term planning
• Develop and communicate business results as required.
• Support Safety Committee with their goals to promote a strong safety-focused culture.
• Perform as back up to the Plant Leadership as required.

Skills

Leadership

High-speed production

Deadline pressure

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field (Operations/Management)

Tools

SAP

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game.We are solutions-based.We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too:Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how wouldYOUput our drinks on every table?

Position Description

The Production Manager II is responsible for driving and managing the production process and associates at the facility while maintaining efficient production in desired quality and quantity. Develops and leads the Plant Production team in exceeding key performance indicators for safety, environment, quality, customer service and cost. Builds and develops a strong team of decision makers and our organization’s next leaders.

Essential Job Functions:

• Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
• Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
• Leads and directs the work of other employees and has responsibility for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
• Provides training, direction and instruction and conducts performance evaluations.
• Provides guidance and training on work standards and expected outcomes.
• Accountable for planning and evaluating performance, staff training and development, recruitment and may contribute to pay recommendations.
• Conduct daily meetings as required with direct reports to identify and resolve issues.
• Collaborate closely with all departments to improve quality, drive efficiencies, increase yields, and eliminate out-of-specification or damaged products. Foster a positive team environment to promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Possesses a practical understanding of SQF and HACCP and can address inquiries related to both.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and adhere to a production manufacturing schedule, effectively communicate issues or deviations with the appropriate parties and respond to inquiries.
• Ability to mobilize resources and lead efforts to reduce unscheduled downtime.
• Follow all Quality Control and Production line standard operating procedures.
• Perform minor machine maintenance as well as daily and weekly preventive maintenance.
• Conduct required GEMBA walks through the plant.
• Supports and encourages a culture of Refresco Values.
• Develops strategies focused on energy and waste minimization.
• Participates in the development of the annual department budget & strategic long-term planning
• Develop and communicate business results as required.
• Support Safety Committee with their goals to promote a strong safety-focused culture.
• Perform as back up to the Plant Leadership as required.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership experience in a high-speed beverage production environment preferred. Ability to independently and efficiently operate and troubleshoot required manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure.
• Organized and detail oriented, adaptable to change.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and Power Point.

Competencies:

• Leadership - Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, lead courageously on a day-to-day basis, and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
• Quality - Understanding of quality standards and requirements for manufactured products, implementation of quality control measures to ensure product consistency and reliability, collaboration with quality team to address related issues.
• Continuous Improvement – Lead department process improvement through lean principles, team feedback, and CI events (Kaizen).
• Troubleshooting – Skilled in resolving process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and waste.
• Documentation Skills – Accurately record production data and maintain organized records.
• Safety and Compliance – Ensure OSHA, environmental, and corporate compliance. Timely and accurate completion of monthly Alchemy training.
• Communication Skills – Communicate effectively with direct reports and all levels of the organization. Collaborates to ensure smooth workflow. Follows equipment down-time escalation process.
• Decision Making & Judgment – Make informed decisions with sometimes limited data, learning from outcomes.
• People Management – coach others regardless of performance level; help others identify key goals and use their talents to achieve those goals; build relationships; offer praise and recognition.
• Ownership – Proactively take initiative and responsibility for tasks and challenges, demonstrating independent thinking.
• Problem Solving Skills – Develop creative solutions, evaluate results, and incorporate feedback for continuous improvement.
• Time Management – Optimize production schedules by prioritizing tasks and minimizing downtime to meet deadlines.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. Undergraduate degree in a related field, with focus on Operations Management preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years relevant work experience within a high-speed manufacturing environment, preferably beverages.
• Functional experience in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TPM, etc. are assets.

Working Conditions:

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight and holidays may be required.
• Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised, with clear production targets and schedules to meet.
• Floor Presence Expectation: minimum of 50%

Travel Requirements:

• Travel anticipated: Rarely

Physical Requirements:

• Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Coordination and Dexterity - Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise control of equipment.
• Mental Stress – There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco is passionate about empowering leaders who reflect our core values and live by our leadership behaviors. These behaviors encourage effective leadership within the business, and focus on leading courageously, empowering individuals, and driving company growth as one team. Joining our team as a people manager means you’ll be encouraged to evolve as a leader who prioritizes the success of both you and your team, to deliver results, whilst bringing your authentic self to work.

Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time OffDays
• Well-being Benefit
• Discount and Total Reward Programs

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.