Production Manager

Position Summary:The Production Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and optimizing compounding and filling operations to ensure production goals for quality, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance are achieved. This role combines strong technical manufacturing knowledge with leadership, operational analytics, and continuous improvement capabilities. The ideal candidate has a degree in Manufacturing Engineering (or similar), 3 years of experience in food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic manufacturing, and demonstrated success managing complex, regulated processes.Duties & Responsibilities:Technical & Operational LeadershipLead end-to-end compound and fill manufacturing operations ensuring efficiency, throughput, quality, and safety.Maintain, and improve standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for compounding and filling lines.Oversee real-time monitoring of production metrics (e.g., throughput, yield, uptime/downtime, labor efficiency) and drive decisions based on quantitative data.Use ERP systems for scheduling, tracking, and reporting production performance.Process Engineering & Continuous ImprovementApply Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies to reduce waste, minimize variation, and improve cycle times.Conduct time studies and labor analysis to optimize workforce deployment and reduce bottlenecks.Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation using structured problem-solving tools.Quality & Regulatory ComplianceEnsure manufacturing processes meet or exceed industry regulatory standards (e.g., GMP, HACCP, cGMP) and company quality requirements.Collaborate with Quality Assurance/Control to investigate deviations, manage corrective actions, and maintain compliance documentation.Team Leadership & DevelopmentManage, coach, and mentor production supervisors and operators; set performance expectations and promote accountability.Provide training on technical skills, process improvement tools, safety, and compliance standards.Foster a culture of continuous improvement, employee engagement, and high reliability.Safety & Risk ManagementChampion strict safety protocols in line with OSHA and internal policies.Lead worksite risk assessments and drive improvements to minimize safety incidents.Cross-Functional CollaborationCommunicate production performance and improvement opportunities to senior leadership.Work with Warehouse supply chain, maintenance, R&D, and quality teams to ensure integrated execution of business objectives.Required QualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, or related technical discipline.3 years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic), with specific exposure to compounding and filling operations.Skills & CompetenciesTechnical Proficiency: Manufacturing Engineering and manufacturing processes, filling systems, batch records, production equipment.Quantitative & Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze production metrics, conduct time/labor studies, and optimize operations.Process Improvement Expertise: Hands-on with Lean/Six Sigma tools, workflow optimization, and waste elimination.Leadership & People Management: Strong leadership presence; proven ability to train and develop teams.Time & Project Management: Prioritize tasks, coordinate cross-functional projects, and manage competing deadlines effectively.Communication: Clear verbal and written communication across teams and levels.Regulatory & Quality Knowledge: Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, or other applicable quality frameworks. Preferred QualificationsExperience with ERP systems (e.g., Sage etc.).Certifications: Lean, Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt); HACCP or quality management credentials.Prior leadership of compounding and filling lines within food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic production.