Production Manager – Food Manufacturing

with plant management.Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, labor challenges, equipment downtime, and quality issues.Reduce production losses, improve yield, and increase operational efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives.Assist with controlling material, labor, overhead, and other operating expenses.Develop a foundational understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and cost management, with the opportunity to take on broader plant management responsibilities.Maintain accurate production records, reports, and quality documentation.Ensure food safety and security procedures are followed throughout manufacturing, handling, and storage.Collaborate with quality, maintenance, and plant leadership teams to resolve operational issues.Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety procedures.Report unsafe conditions, out-of-specification raw materials, and finished-product concerns through established reporting procedures.Required QualificationsExperience working in USDA-regulated food manufacturing facilities.Experience in BRC-certified facilities.Previous production leadership or manufacturing management experience, preferably in meat processing or food production.Knowledge of HACCP, GFSI, GMPs, SSOPs, and food safety requirements.Ability to manage production schedules, meet deadlines, and monitor operational KPIs.Strong floor leadership, employee management, and accountability skills.Experience improving production efficiency, product yield, and reducing downtime or waste.Foundational understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and production cost control.Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.Effective written and verbal communication skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office.Ability to remain on your feet throughout the production shift and work in a physically demanding manufacturing environment.Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. periodically.Willingness to work on-site in Scottsbluff, NE, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekends.Ability to complete applicable employment eligibility verification, background screening, and drug screening.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Management, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.Three or more years of manufacturing or management experience in food production, if not otherwise demonstrated through equivalent relevant experience.Experience in meat processing, jerky production, or similar food manufacturing operations.Experience with production performance metrics, statistical analysis, and continuous improvement.Experience with labor planning, production cost analysis, inventory control, and waste reduction.Potential to progress into broader plant management and operational leadership responsibilities.Compensation and Work ScheduleFull-time, on-site positionMonday-Friday scheduleOccasional weekend work based on production requirementsOpportunity for professional growth into broader plant management responsibilities