Production Manager
- $120,000 - $160,000
- Independence, IA
Production Manager – USDA Food Manufacturing - Independence, IA
A bit about us:
We are a rapidly growing, next-generation food manufacturer rooted in excellence, integrity, and community. From our 125,000+ sq ft USDA- and FDA-certified facility, we specialize in fresh protein processing and freezing—no slaughter performed onsite. At peak capacity, we operate with a team of 230, producing over 800,000 pounds weekly and supporting an annual output exceeding 150 million pounds. Backed by experienced leadership and $15 million in planned facility upgrades, we are positioned for long-term, sustainable growth and continued innovation across operations.
Why join us?
- Salary up to $150k + Performance Bonuses + Quarterly Profit Sharing
- Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with Match, PTO
- Stable, growth-focused company with a collaborative culture
Job Details
- Lead daily operations across 90+ employees and 4 shift leaders, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution of production processes
- Supervise and develop the Assistant Production Manager and shift leadership team, driving accountability and staff performance
- Drive KPI performance including yield, efficiency, labor productivity, and waste reduction
- Ensure compliance with USDA/FDA regulations, workplace safety standards, and internal food safety protocols
- Oversee labor and resource planning, including staffing, scheduling, and cost management
- Implement and manage quality systems to ensure consistent product standards and customer satisfaction
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives to optimize throughput, reduce variability, and scale operations
- Represent production in customer interactions, senior leadership meetings, and cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain
- Provide regular production updates and strategic recommendations to the General Manager and Senior Leadership Team
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Operations Management, or related field
- 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, including managing teams of 90+ employees
- Proven ability to drive production KPIs (yield, efficiency, labor productivity, waste reduction)
- Demonstrated success scaling operations and implementing sustainable systems
- Deep expertise in USDA/FDA-regulated environments with strong food safety and compliance knowledge
- Proficiency with ERP systems and data-driven decision-making
- Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Manufacturing experience (preferred)
- HACCP, SQF, or PCQI certifications (preferred)
- Protein manufacturing experience strongly preferred
- OSHA 10 or 30 certification is a plus
Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.