Production Manager

Job Title: Production Manager - Second Shift
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Reports to: Plant Manager
Department: Operations 
Type: Full-Time - Exempt

Position Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all day-to-day manufacturing operations across Plant 1 and Plant 2 within a high-volume ice cream production environment. This role ensures safe, efficient, high-quality production while meeting customer demand, cost targets, and regulatory requirements.

Through servant leadership the Production Manager directly supervises Line Managers and is accountable for driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, food safety compliance, workforce development, and cross-functional collaboration.

Core Leadership Philosophy

• Lead by serving — removing obstacles so teams can perform at their best.
• Develop leaders, not just manage performance.
• Build trust through transparency, consistency, and presence on the floor.
• Hold high standards while demonstrating empathy and respect.
• Celebrate wins and learn openly from setbacks.

Key Responsibilities

People & Leadership Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop four Line Managers to strengthen leadership capability and decision-making skills.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones focused on growth, problem-solving, and support.
• Build a culture of ownership, accountability, and mutual respect.
• Ensure clear communication of plant goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Support succession planning and internal talent development.

Operational Excellence

• Partner with Line Managers to achieve production schedules, volume targets, and service levels.
• Empower teams to identify and implement process improvements.
• Monitor KPIs including:

• Facilitate root cause analysis and problem-solving sessions rather than directing solutions.

Food Safety & Quality Stewardship

• Model and reinforce uncompromising food safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, FSMA, SQF, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Promote a culture where quality concerns can be raised without hesitation.

Safety & Workplace Culture

• Champion a proactive safety culture across both plants.
• Encourage reporting of hazards and near-misses without fear of retaliation.
• Partner with teams to implement preventative safety measures.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Planning, Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, and HR to align resources and priorities.
• Serve as a bridge between frontline operations and plant leadership.
• Support new product launches and capital projects through inclusive planning and communication.

Financial & Performance Accountability

• Manage production labor budgets responsibly.
• Drive cost-conscious decision-making while maintaining safety and quality.
• Support Plant Manager in meeting overall plant performance objectives.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Food Science, or related field preferred or
• 5–8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience in food or dairy manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing frontline leaders.

Leadership Competencies

• Servant leadership mindset with demonstrated people-development success.
• Strong emotional intelligence and coaching capability.
• Ability to balance empathy with accountability.
• Data-driven decision maker.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Working Environment

• Significant presence on the production floor in refrigerated manufacturing environments.
• Travel between Plant 1 and Plant 2 as required.
• Flexible schedule based on operational demands.

Measures of Success

• Strong engagement and retention of Line Managers and frontline teams.
• Achievement of production, safety, and quality targets.
• Reduction in waste and downtime.
• Improved leadership bench strength.
• Consistent audit readiness and regulatory compliance.

Backup Responsibilities

Must be able to back-up Line Managers when needed.  This role is supported for coverage as needed by the Plant Manger and/or Continuous Improvement Manager.