Production Manager

The Production & Quality Lead is a key operational leader responsible for overseeing day‑to‑end execution of liquid manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality, material integrity, and operational efficiency across full‑scale production. This role requires strong technical judgment, deep understanding of ingredient functionality, and the ability to translate formulation requirements into consistent, high‑quality commercial batches.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in quality control, raw material sourcing and verification, production troubleshooting, and cross‑functional coordination with R&D, procurement, and logistics. This position plays a critical role in maintaining manufacturing excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

Core Responsibilities

Quality Control & Compliance Leadership

• Oversee and implement quality, food safety, and regulatory standards throughout the production process.
• Conduct and document pre‑operational inspections, equipment checks, and line readiness assessments.
• Verify ingredient identity, lot traceability, and conformance to specifications before use.
• Ensure batch records, measurements, and production documentation meet internal and external audit requirements.
• Identify deviations, investigate root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Production Oversight & Technical Execution

• Lead the preparation, measurement, and verification of batch input ingredients with precision and adherence to formulation requirements.
• Supervise the execution of production batches according to MMRs, SOPs, and production schedules.
• Operate and oversee the use of industrial equipment including mixers, augers, pumps, filling systems, filtration systems, scales, and metal detection systems.
• Evaluate product behavior at bench scale and translate findings into optimized commercial‑scale performance.
• Troubleshoot process variability, equipment performance, and formulation challenges in real time.

Raw Material Management & Logistics Coordination

• Maintain raw material inventory accuracy, including receiving, labeling, storage, and lot tracking.
• Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of materials and packaging components.
• Assess supplier quality issues and escalate concerns related to ingredient performance or consistency.
• Support sourcing decisions by providing technical feedback on ingredient functionality and production compatibility.

Documentation, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain detailed, audit‑ready production records, including batch yields, ingredient usage, and QC checkpoints.
• Provide data‑driven insights to improve process efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product consistency.
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings with R&D, Quality, and Operations to support new product introductions and scale‑up activities.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives related to throughput, quality, and operational reliability.

Team Leadership & Training

• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for production staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and SOPs.
• Support cross‑training initiatives to build a flexible, capable production team.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Strong mathematical precision, including recipe and percentage calculations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs for extended periods.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food, beverage, nutraceutical, or ingredient manufacturing.
• Experience in quality control, production leadership, or process troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and industrial processing equipment.
• Familiarity with ingredient functionality, emulsions, solubility behavior, and scale‑up considerations.

Company Description

Powell May International is a dynamic and innovative organization that delivers high-quality products and services across various industries. Recognized for its commitment to excellence, Powell May International fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. With a focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, the company is dedicated to growth and creating impactful solutions. Powell May International values diversity, creativity, and teamwork as key drivers of its success.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Geneva, NY for a Production Manager. The Production Manager will oversee daily production activities, manage workflows, ensure adherence to quality and safety standards, and optimize efficiency in the production process. Responsibilities include coordinating production schedules, managing team operations, handling inventory management, resolving operational challenges, and ensuring timely completion of projects. This role will require close collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in production management, operations, and team leadership
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills to manage workflows and address production challenges
• Knowledge in inventory management, supply chain processes, and quality assurance practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for effective leadership and team collaboration
• Proficiency in production planning and scheduling tools
• Ability to manage projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with safety and compliance regulations applied in production facilities
• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field is preferred