The posting
Tandem Foods is expanding operations at our Omega facility with the launch of our new SL6 production line. As part of this exciting growth, we are building out our team across all three shifts and are looking for skilled talent to support our expanding operation.
The Production Manager is responsible for leading day-to-day operations within a fast-paced food manufacturing facility in Pittsburgh, PA. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role leads a team of Production Supervisors with a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. The Production Manager partners closely with Quality, Maintenance, Production Planning, Materials Management, and other functions to achieve production goals and drive continuous improvement. This role is responsible for developing a high-performing, data-driven culture while improving operational efficiency, employee engagement, and overall site performance.
Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations for the facility with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and overall operational performance.
- Prioritize employee safety through visible leadership, established work procedures, and effective safety programs.
- Lead, mentor, train, and coach Production Supervisors while fostering an engaged, collaborative, and continuous improvement-focused culture.
- Foster strong cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization to support production and business objectives.
- Lead the management and continuous improvement of key performance indicators related to safety, quality, staffing, production standards, yields, delivery, and cost.
- Lead and reinforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) throughout the facility to maintain a safe, clean, and compliant manufacturing environment.
- Partner with the Quality team to ensure compliance with food safety programs, standards, and initiatives.
- Partner with Maintenance to monitor equipment performance, identify opportunities to reduce downtime, and improve operational reliability.
- Collaborate with Production Planning and Materials Management to optimize schedule attainment and customer service.
- Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives related to staffing, production standards, yields, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
- Monitor and report key financial and operational performance metrics against established standards.
- Prepare and submit operating reports covering safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance, including recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Use production data, trends, and performance metrics to identify root causes, solve problems, and implement sustainable improvements.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and other applicable operational excellence methodologies.
- Maintain a strong customer focus by understanding and responding to the needs of internal and external customers.
- Manage multiple priorities and projects while adapting to changing production requirements and business needs.
- 5–7 years of manufacturing experience with 3–5 years of management or supervisory experience.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Industrial Management, Engineering, Food Science, Management, Production Operations, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Knowledge of BRC and/or SQF food safety requirements.
- Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational data, trends, and performance metrics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and motivate manufacturing teams.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to build effective relationships throughout the organization.
- Strong project and time management skills with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and remain accountable for deliverables.
- Ability to adapt effectively to changing priorities, new information, and unexpected manufacturing conditions.
- Strong maintenance background preferred.
- ERP and OEE system experience preferred.
- Experience with Six Sigma, 5S, Lean, or related continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
- Creative and continuous improvement-focused approach to developing new processes and ways of working.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
Tandem Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
