Senior Production Manager

Axion Recruitment; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Axion Recruitment in Newark, NJ is seeking a Senior Production Manager to oversee multiple facilities and a frozen distribution operation. You will report to the COO and lead operational performance, build high-performing teams and drive continuous improvement across the business.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong knowledge of USDA/SQF standards, and experience optimizing production and plant uptime.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large multi-shift production teams.
• Knowledge of USDA, SQF and food safety standards.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP/NetSuite).

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across multiple facilities and a frozen distribution warehouse.
• Drive production performance, efficiency and operational excellence.
• Coach and develop large multi-shift teams.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, SQF and food safety standards.
• Lead SQF and third-party audit preparation and execution.

Skills

Leadership

Production management

Continuous improvement

ERP systems

Regulatory compliance

Team coaching

Tools

SAP

NetSuite

SAP Business One

Job description

We're recruiting for an experienced Senior Production Manager to join a leading food manufacturer in Newark, NJ.

Reporting directly to the COO, this is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing multiple production facilities and a frozen distribution operation. You'll lead operational performance, develop high-performing teams and drive continuous improvement across the business.

What You'll Do

• Lead day-to-day operations across multiple manufacturing facilities and a frozen distribution warehouse
• Drive production performance, efficiency and operational excellence
• Lead, coach and develop large multi-shift production teams
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and plant uptime
• Ensure compliance with USDA, SQF and food safety standards
• Lead SQF and third-party audit preparation and execution
• Build a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement
• Support business growth and operational expansion

What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership experience within food manufacturing or food processing
• Experience managing large production and operations teams
• Strong knowledge of USDA regulations, SQF and food safety standards
• Experience improving production performance and manufacturing efficiency
• ERP system experience (SAP, NetSuite or SAP Business One preferred)
• Hands-on leadership style with a continuous improvement mindset

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.