Job description
Join Aurora Foods Inc., a leading producer of premium packaged foods serving retailers nationwide. We are seeking a results-driven Food Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations in Chicago, IL. You will drive efficiency, quality, and safety across the plant floor. This role offers a fast-paced, growth-focused environment with opportunities to shape production strategy and advance your career. As a key member of our Operations team, you will partner with QA, Engineering, and Supply Chain to deliver on-time production, successful new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibility
- Lead daily production planning and scheduling to meet demand while minimizing downtime and waste.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma) to improve OEE and reduce cost per unit.
- Ensure GMP, HACCP, SQF/BRC standards and rigorous safety practices across the plant.
- Collaborate with QA and R&D to transfer new products from pilot to full-scale production with robust process controls.
- Manage and develop the production team, including coaching, training, and performance evaluations.
- Monitor KPIs, generate daily/weekly performance reports, and align with Supply Chain on forecasts and material availability.
- Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and downtime planning to maximize uptime.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree a plus.
- 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing operations; minimum 2 years in a supervisory role.
- Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and SQF/BRC standards.
- Experience with ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and data-driven decision-making.
- Proven track record of improving OEE, reducing waste, and increasing throughput.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and manage multiple priorities.