Night Production Manager

Position Title: Production Manager

Reports To: Plant Manager

FLSA Status: Salaried

Job Grade: 10

Pay Range: $103,000- $148,000

Date Revised: November 2025

Position Overview:
The Production Manager will support the Plant Manager in overseeing the daily operations of manufacturing facility. This role involves assisting in managing plant operations, ensuring safety and quality standards are met, and fostering an efficient, team-oriented environment. The Production Manager will serve as a key partner in achieving production goals, implementing policies, and providing leadership to the operational team.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the Plant Manager in coordinating daily operations of the manufacturing plant.
• Supervise and provide guidance to staff across all levels to enhance productivity and performance.
• Responsible for managing all shift production schedules.
• Accountable for effective CIP time turn-around times. (product stop to product start).
• Work with and develop all four production teams and rotate through these teams to find the best practices and apply those to all four teams so there is consistency from one team to the other.
• Production Team Leaders will report directly to production manager
• Owner of daily execution ensuring the right people, product and processes are in place to deliver safe quality food safely and efficiently.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new hires.
• Aid in the development and implementation of processes to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Act as a hands-on resource, capable of learning and operating all plant equipment as needed.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor, actively engaging with employees to promote teamwork and address concerns.
• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of operational budgets, identifying and addressing discrepancies.
• Partner with the Plant Manager to develop and deliver employee performance reviews.
• Support the scheduling and facilitation of plant meetings to communicate updates and expectations.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to ensure compliance with product specifications and address customer complaints.
• Assist in creating and maintaining accurate production protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor and enforce safety measures and protocols to maintain a secure working environment.
• Work with external agencies (e.g., FDA, OSHA) as required to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Aid in the implementation of training programs related to safety, manufacturing procedures, sanitation, and quality standards.
• Assist in managing shift schedules and ensuring adequate coverage for production needs.
• Provide reports on operational performance and recommend improvements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Plant Manager or senior management team.

Essential Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to mentor and lead teams effectively.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and operational standards.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing or operational management, with a background in food production preferred.
• Familiarity with aseptic or ESL dairy product manufacturing is a plus.

This role offers an opportunity to play a crucial part in the operational success of a dynamic manufacturing plant. Candidates should be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and passionate about driving continuous improvement in a collaborative environment.

Environmental Considerations:

• Must be able to work in environments with varying temperatures.
• Potential exposure to ingredients used in food manufacturing, including allergens.
• May encounter chemicals commonly used in food processing and distribution facilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to navigate all areas of the facility, including office spaces, warehouse areas, and the exterior perimeter.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary to safely perform job duties.
• Ability to stand, sit, and carry out tasks throughout a full shift, with appropriate meal breaks.
• Physically capable of standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and crouching as needed.
• Able to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier objects with reasonable accommodations.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform job duties accurately.
• Capable of assessing weights, judging distances, and working at various heights.

Work Schedule:

Nights: Primarily Monday-Friday 4pm-2am. May fluctuate to cover team leaders in certain instances or in case of situational needs. Must be flexible to support a 24/7/365 operation.

Compensation:

At Cayuga Milk Ingredients, we value a fair and comprehensive approach to compensation. Our wage range for this role is determined by various factors, including skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. It is not typical for an employee to start at or near the top of the range for the position. Compensation decisions are made based on individual job circumstances considering skill level, previous experience, and education requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cayuga Milk Ingredients is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing their own pay or the pay of others. However, employees with access to compensation information as part of their job duties are prohibited from disclosing this information to unauthorized individuals, except in specific circumstances outlined by applicable laws and regulations (41 CFR 60-1.35(c)).

General Statement:

All Cayuga employees recognize that the success and prosperity of the company is everyone’s responsibility. All employees are expected to treat each other in a positive, respectful, and professional manner, to be at work for their assigned shift and to work safely as a team. Employees must be self-starters who can relate to all levels of the organization.

Disclaimer:

o All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

o This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

o The company reserves the right to add to or revise an employee's job duties at any time at its sole discretion.

o This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.