Senior Production Manager, Food Manufacturing & Quality

DIVERSIFIED FOODS & SEASONINGS; Madisonville (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Paylocity is seeking a Production Manager to oversee daily production operations in a manufacturing facility in Kentucky. The role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant production, leads production teams, and drives performance across safety, quality, and productivity metrics.

The position requires 5+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or plant operations, strong knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements, and the ability to propel continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in food manufacturing leadership.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or plant operations.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and build positive work relationships.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all production processes to ensure products meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and hourly personnel to achieve departmental goals.
• Coordinate daily schedules, staffing, product flow, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and OSHA regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimize equipment utilization.
• Partner with Maintenance, QA, Warehouse, and Scheduling teams to ensure smooth, coordinated plant operations.
• Complete and review production reports, metrics, and documentation; identify trends and recommend solutions.
• Support training efforts for new hires and existing employees on job duties, safety, and standard procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment throughout production areas.
• Lead or participate in root-cause investigations, corrective actions, and performance improvement plans.
• Ensure all production employees follow company policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in food manufacturing leadership

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Production Manager oversees all daily production operations within the manufacturing facility. This role ensures products are produced safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company, regulatory, and customer standards. The Production Manager leads production teams, supports continuous improvement efforts, manages resources, and drives performance across safety, quality, and productivity metrics.

Key Responsibilities

· Oversee all production processes to ensure products meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

· Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and hourly personnel to achieve departmental goals.

· Coordinate daily schedules, staffing, product flow, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency.

· Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and OSHA regulations.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimize equipment utilization.

· Partner with Maintenance, QA, Warehouse, and Scheduling teams to ensure smooth, coordinated plant operations.

· Complete and review production reports, metrics, and documentation; identify trends and recommend solutions.

· Support training efforts for new hires and existing employees on job duties, safety, and standard procedures.

· Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment throughout production areas.

· Lead or participate in root-cause investigations, corrective actions, and performance improvement plans.

· Ensure all production employees follow company policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

· Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required

· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field OR equivalent experience in food manufacturing leadership

· 5+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or plant operations

· Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance

· Ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and build positive work relationships

· Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems

Preferred

· HACCP certification

· Additional food safety, leadership, or operational certifications

· Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies

· Experience working with automated production equipment