Production Manager (Food Manufacturing) Job at La Vaquita Cheese in Houston

General PurposeManage production activities to ensure efficient and profitable operations. Provide work direction and supervision to production supervisors and employees within the guidelines of standard work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies for La Vaquita.Oversee the daily management of various departments by ensuring that all company, regulatory, safety, and quality requirements and initiatives are understood and followed by both supervision and production employees. Assist in the formulation of plant objectives, policies and plans. Resolve issues in a timely manner. Direct personnel activities, such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments using independent judgment within the framework of established human resources policies and practices.Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesManage daily operational activities of supervisors and production staff for La Vaquita to ensure customer orders are received, scheduled, and produced at the lowest possible cost to meet the customer's requirements while maintaining established safety and quality standardsAnalyze operations and key metrics to ensure that the facility maintains high quality and safety standards; proactively look for ways to increase operational efficiency and contain costsEnsure that Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained for all operational activitiesReport deficiencies to plant leadership; identify and resolve operational issuesAssist in development and implementation of safety programsEnsure that all regulations and company policies are understood and followed by supervisors and production employees; advise them of correct interpretation when necessaryConduct meetings with department management to communicate essential policies, plans, or problems affecting operations, employee relations, and general company informationMaintain preparation for and participate in plant inspections by authorized agencies utilizing appropriate staffMonitor inventory levels for supplies and equipment and initiate or approve purchases as appropriatePrepare reports and records for management reviewManage assigned employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management. Understand and effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances.Actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods. Maintain and promote positive employee relations in work environmentMaintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issuesFollow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirementsThe requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as requiredEducation and ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalentUndergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred5 to 8 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturingSupervisory or management experienceCertification and/or License - may be required during course of employmentKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesSolid knowledge of manufacturing process flow and importance to processSolid knowledge of continuous improvement modelsSkill in leadership and coaching; knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel managementKnowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systemsSkill in critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluationsAble to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamworkAble to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)Able to think and use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and informationAble to demonstrate strong initiative and follow through on day-to-day responsibilitiesAble to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problemsAble to present options and ideas to current processes or proceduresAble to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalismAble to communicate with various levels of personnel to ensure customers' needs and requirements are metAble to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requestsAble to interpret and apply company policiesAble to adapt and manage to change effectivelyBilingual(English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.Must be able to read, write and speak EnglishAn Equal Opportunity Employer