FOOD PRODUCTION MANAGER (MANUFACTURING PLANT) - LENEXA, KS
Compass Group · Lenexa, KS
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $85k–$90k
- Degree
- Preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 7 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Compass Group (industrial) in Lenexa, KS. Hire, train, coach, and develop production staff to meet operational and performance goals.
- They ask for
- degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Casting
- Base pay
- $85k–$90k
- Day to day
- relocation help
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Production Engineer roles in Kansas: typical posted base $93k–$154k. This one lists $85k–$90k.
Median of the low and high ends of 3 live postings that list pay, out of 9 production engineer openings in Kansas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Kansas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 8 other live production postings in Kansas.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Team leadership 67%
- FDA / GMP 33%
- SAP 33%
- EHS / safety 33%
- Lean 22%
- Six Sigma 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Compass Group
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from Compass GroupAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
The Production Manager (Ready-to-Eat Foods) is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating daily production operations within a food manufacturing facility. This role ensures the efficient preparation and timely delivery of high-quality finished food products while maintaining strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards. The Production Manager leads and develops production staff, manages operational and financial performance, and partners with cross-functional leadership to drive continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- ◆Lead all aspects of fresh food production with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- ◆Plan and coordinate daily production activities to ensure timely, efficient, and high-quality food preparation.
- ◆Manage operational financials, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
- ◆Maintain compliance with meal requirements, standardized recipes, portion controls, and quality standards.
- ◆Oversee food preparation, storage, labeling, sanitation, and adherence to all regulatory and food safety requirements.
- ◆Monitor inventory levels, investigate discrepancies, and ensure accurate food safety and production records.
- ◆Hire, train, coach, and develop production staff to meet operational and performance goals.
- ◆Build and maintain positive working relationships with associates, management, clients, and customers.
- ◆Partner closely with department managers and the Director of Operations to align daily production priorities.
- ◆Participate in management, safety, and quality meetings to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- ◆Ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance while enforcing company policies and procedures.
Requirements
- ✓Bilingual in English/ Haitian Creole/ French or English/ Spanish required to support a diverse workforce.
- ✓Bachelor of Science degree in Food Service Technology, Food Management, or a related field preferred;
or associate degree with a minimum of four (4) years of directly related experience.
- ✓Four (4) or more years of hands-on foodservice or food manufacturing operational management experience.
- ✓Demonstrated background in fresh, prepared, and ready-to-eat food production environments.
- ✓Strong understanding of food and catering trends with an emphasis on quality, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
- ✓Proven experience with P&L responsibility is strongly preferred.
- ✓Knowledge of financial, budgetary, accounting, and operational metrics.
- ✓Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with hourly staff, management, and clients.
- ✓Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, email systems, and internet-based tools.
- ✓ServSafe® certification preferred.
Physical & Work Environment
Requirements
- ✓Ability to work 8–10 hours per day based on operational needs.
- ✓Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in refrigerated environments (34°F–40°F).
- ✓Ability to push, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.
- ✓Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Experience in fresh, refrigerated, or frozen food manufacturing operations.
Apply to Canteen today!
Canteen is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits.
- ✓Medical
- ✓Dental
- ✓Vision
- ✓Life Insurance/ AD
- ✓Disability Insurance
- ✓Retirement Plan
- ✓Paid Time Off
- ✓Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- ✓Associate Shopping Program
- ✓Health and Wellness Programs
- ✓Discount Marketplace
- ✓Identity Theft Protection
- ✓Pet Insurance
- ✓Commuter Benefits
- ✓Employee Assistance Program
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- ✓Paid Parental Leave
- ✓Personal Leave
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Canteen.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Canteen maintains a drug-free workplace.
Fresh & Ready Foods
ISAAC Warren SMITH
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Fresh & Ready Foods
- •**Candidates requiring relocation are encouraged to apply; relocation assistance is available.
Salary: $85,000 - $90,000 / year
Growth. Opportunity. Excellence.
Fresh & Ready Food Group is a member of Canteen. Canteen sets the national standard for excellence in automated retail, and EVERY segment of our business is thriving. We employ the best team in the industry and their dedication, collaboration and passion fuel our growth . YOU bring enthusiasm, customer service, and commitment; we’ll supply the opportunity and innovation. TOGETHER we’ll continue transforming the micro-market, dining, coffee, and vending industry.
Come grow with us. We are Canteen.
