Production Manager - Cheese or Food

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations for assigned departments, ensuring efficient workflow, product quality, and adherence to plant goals
• Partner with Quality Assurance to support food‑safety programs, quality plans, GMP compliance, and prerequisite program execution
• Manage departmental budgets, drive cost‑reduction initiatives, and lead operational‑excellence efforts using tools such as AOS, Run to Target, Focused Improvement, and Direction Setting
• Ensure product quality by inspecting output, verifying specifications, and directing machine setup, adjustments, and troubleshooting
• Train, coach, and supervise production employees to ensure full understanding of SOPs, safety standards, and manufacturing processes, while maintaining accurate documentation and routine reporting
• Collaborate with plant, corporate, and customer teams on production needs, support R&D initiatives, and identify process improvements through ongoing analysis of operations and project performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent education/experience may be considered
• At least 4 years of manufacturing experience, including 3 years in dairy or food production
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience leading teams in a production environment
• Strong background in food‑processing operations; whey‑processing experience preferred
• Solid understanding of industry practices, safety, and operational standards gained through hands‑on plant experience

Salary: $100k - $130K

Ask for: Aarti Manchanda

Ajulia Executive Search is a New Jersey based Executive Search Firm specializing in retained searches in multiple sectors, including Manufacturing, Finance, IT, Legal, and Pharmaceutical. We have a nationwide client base and offer services in temporary and direct hire placements