Production Manager - Day Shift

SunOpta - Midlothian, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Midlothian, VA

Food Manufacturing

About the position

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today's leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths, and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company's commitment to top brands, retailers, and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN, Dream, and West Life. The Production Manager position at SunOpta - Midlothian is a critical role that requires a highly motivated and experienced individual with a strong background in food manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of improving processes and results throughout their career. This position is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Manufacturing Department(s) to meet budgetary targets. The Production Manager will work closely with staff to ensure the smooth operation of raw material receipt, production scheduling, and finished goods shipping, while also focusing on safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The Production Manager will develop weekly, monthly, and annual manufacturing plans, establish priorities, and communicate these plans to subordinates and peers. A key aspect of this role is to lead safety initiatives targeting zero recordable injuries and to ensure that all manufacturing areas comply with regulatory and company requirements. The position also involves training employees on manufacturing standard operating procedures and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Responsibilities

• Direct activities of production by coordinating raw material receipt, manufacturing, production scheduling, and finished goods shipping.
• Monitor performance of manufacturing employees and equipment to ensure production meets or exceeds the weekly production schedule while meeting quality requirements and minimizing waste.
• Develop weekly, monthly, and annual manufacturing plans, establishing priorities and corrective and preventative maintenance plans.
• Lead safety initiatives for the production team, targeting zero recordable injuries and ensuring effective procedures and record-keeping are managed.
• Coordinate manufacturing activities to ensure product quality meets requirements, following up on inspections and audits.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company requirements, including external audits and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Work with management to ensure roles are correctly organized, defined, documented, and communicated to all employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or related field experience.
• Five plus years of related experience and/or training in the manufacturing and food industry.
• Strong working knowledge of food manufacturing processes.

Nice-to-haves

• Beverage and/or aseptic experience.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices, TPM, or Six Sigma.
• Experience with Ceridian software.