Production and Packaging Manager

Production and Packaging Manager

Job Summary: Join a growing Denver deli meat and salami company as our Production & Packaging Manager. This hands-on leadership role oversees all production (curing, fermentation, slicing, and processing) and packaging operations in our small, fast-paced facility. You will ensure safe, compliant, high-quality output of deli meats and salami that meets USDA/FSIS, customer, and brand standards for taste, consistency, shelf life, slice integrity, and packaging quality — while driving efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement as the company scales.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership of daily production and packaging line operations, including scheduling, changeovers, salami fermentation/curing processes, slicing, portion control, sealing, and labeling. Oversee the execution of the production schedule.
• Own food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMP, SSOPs, USDA/FSIS, compliance) with zero tolerance for contamination, defects, or recalls.
• Monitor and enforce critical control points, sanitation protocols, temperature logs, metal detection, allergen controls, and packaging integrity.
• Provide hands-on leadership of daily production and packaging line operations, including scheduling, changeovers, salami fermentation/curing processes, slicing, portion control, sealing, and labeling.
• Drive continuous improvement, waste elimination, yield optimization, downtime reduction, and process improvements while actively working on the floor alongside the team.
• Serve as a servant leader: hire, train, develop, coach, and hold accountable the production and packaging team; foster a culture of humility, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure a safe, clean productive work environment and maintain positive employee relations with a growth-oriented climate throughout the organization
• Utilize production planning tools/ERP systems to meet volume, on-time delivery, and efficiency targets without compromising safety or quality.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, maintenance, and other departments on root-cause analysis, corrective actions, audit readiness, and production schedule execution.
• Responsible for raw material yields and working with purchasing to maintain correct inventory levels of raw material, supplies, packaging materials
• Scheduling production staff members to ensure proper coverage

Requirements

• Extensive experience, typically 5 or more years, in a manufacturing environment is crucial, with preference for direct experience in salami production, cured meats, or fermented sausage making
• Proven ability to lead teams, solve problems hands-on, and deliver results in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FDA, USDA/FSIS, and other food safety regulations
• Ability to handle high pressure and critical decision-making scenarios efficiently
• Knowledge of industry safety and health codes and regulations
• Butchery background and/or deli meat production experience

· HACCP certification a plus

· SQF certification a plus

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing company where your hands-on expertise and leadership will directly shape our success and help scale high-quality deli meat and salami production.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person