Production Manager

Executive-facing leadership role with major operational impact
Lead plant-wide efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established, privately held food manufacturer with decades of success serving retail, foodservice, distributor, institutional, and industrial customers across the United States. Operating from a modern Southern California production facility, the company specializes in a diverse portfolio of value-added protein, prepared food, and frozen meal solutions, supported by extensive processing, cooking, packaging, and product development capabilities.

Job Description

Direct daily manufacturing operations to meet production, quality, and service objectives
Establish priorities that maximize efficiency while maintaining safety and compliance
Drive labor optimization and productivity improvements
Monitor key operational metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary
Improve communication and coordination between 1st and 2nd shift operations
Lead employee engagement, coaching, performance development, and succession planning efforts
Collaborate with maintenance and sanitation teams to ensure production readiness
Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, waste reduction, and cost savings
Prepare operational reports and present performance results to senior leadership
Partner with HR on employee relations initiatives and workforce development

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

Bachelor's degree preferred
8+ years of manufacturing experience, ideally within food or beverage production
10+ years of leadership experience managing supervisors and frontline teams preferred
Proven track record improving safety, quality, service, and cost performance
Strong understanding of budgeting, labor management, and operational metrics
Knowledge of HACCP, SQF, BRC, GMPs, and food manufacturing compliance requirements
Continuous Improvement or Lean/Six Sigma experience preferred
Bilingual English/Spanish required