Production Manager - UniFirst

090 - Bloomington MN; Minnesota; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Management bonus eligibility

401K with company match

Profit sharing

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

UniFirst is seeking a Production Manager to lead a dynamic team, optimize processes, and improve profitability. Reporting to the General Manager, you will direct production flow, ensure quality, and drive efficiency across the department.

You will work with cross-functional teams, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and apply financial acumen to control costs while maintaining safety standards. A flexible, service-oriented mindset is required to succeed in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to inspire, guide, and develop a collaborative and accountable team.
• Expertise in streamlining processes, achieving operational efficiency, and implementing best practices.
• Capacity to analyze data, manage resources effectively, and align production goals with broader business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead process optimization by guiding the Production department to continuous improvement.
• Manage resources to meet production targets while ensuring quality and cost-efficiency.
• Lead and support team members to foster a collaborative and accountable work environment.
• Foster a service-oriented culture delivering value to internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in quality initiatives by audits, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Analyze production costs and identify cost-saving opportunities using financial insights.
• Ensure safety compliance by conducting inspections and training initiatives.
• Optimize wastewater processes to improve efficiency and reduce impact.
• Oversee inventory, vendor relationships, and equipment maintenance for seamless operations.
• Develop and implement production schedules while driving operational improvements.
• Collaborate across departments to align production goals with business objectives.
• Demonstrate strategic agility to navigate change and drive long-term success.
• Oversee employee management including hiring, onboarding, and retention.

Skills

Leadership & team development

Process optimization

Strategic thinking & financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Lean Six Sigma familiarity

Job description

Production Manager

At UniFirst, we Always Deliver— for our customers and our people. Join us as a Production Manager, where you’ll ensure efficient product flow, maintain high-quality standards, and optimize resources to drive growth and profitability. Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll lead a dynamic and diverse team while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusiveness. Bring your leadership skills, process optimization expertise, and financial acumen to make a meaningful impact in our Production Department.

What Your Role Entails

• Lead process optimization by guiding the Production department in achieving continuous improvement.
• Manage resources effectively to meet production targets while ensuring high-quality standards and cost-efficiency.
• Lead and support team members to foster a collaborative and accountable work environment.
• Foster a service-oriented culture that delivers exceptional value to internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in quality initiatives by conducting audits, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
• Analyze production costs and identify cost‑saving opportunities using financial insights.
• Ensure safety compliance by conducting regular inspections and providing training and proactive initiatives.
• Optimize wastewater processes to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
• Oversee inventory management, vendor relationships, and equipment maintenance to ensure seamless operations.
• Develop and implement production schedules while driving operational improvements.
• Collaborate across departments, including Service, Sales, Maintenance, and Office, to align production goals with business objectives and our enterprise mindset.
• Demonstrate strategic agility to navigate change, overcome challenges, and achieve long‑term success.
• Oversee employee management including hiring, onboarding, talent development, retention, and offboarding.

Qualifications

• Leadership and Team Development: Ability to inspire, guide, and develop a collaborative and accountable team.
• Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement: Expertise in streamlining processes, achieving operational efficiency, and implementing best practices.
• Strategic Thinking and Financial Acumen: Capacity to analyze data, manage resources effectively, and align production goals with broader business objectives.

What You’ll Enjoy in This Role

• Variety and Impact: Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate and lead in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborative Culture: You’ll work with a diverse team and engage across multiple departments, fostering inclusiveness and shared success.
• Professional Growth: UniFirst provides continuous training, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive environment for personal and professional development.

What You Bring

• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record is required.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant leadership experience with strong team building and interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, carrying, standing, and walking for extended periods.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 25%).
• Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of production management experience, with leadership, process improvement skills, and industry best practices.
• Financial literacy to analyze production costs and make data‑driven decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• Familiarity with ISO standards and/or Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Commitment to safety and compliance initiatives.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with management bonus eligibility, 401K with company match, profit sharing, health and life insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement and more.
• Monday – Friday schedule with occasional weekend work as needed.
• Continuous training and career growth opportunities.
• A diverse and inclusive culture that values different backgrounds and perspectives.

Location

• 090 – MINNEAPOLIS, MN 2922 W. Service Road Eagan 55121
• 090 – BLOOMINGTON, MN

Additional Information

Job status: Regular

Job level: Manager

Shift: 1st Shift

Schedule: Full‑time

Job posting date: Jul 21, 2026

UniFirst Corporation is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer M-F-Disability-Vet