Job Description

Smart Cookie Barkery is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations in our pet food manufacturing facility. This role oversees production planning, staff supervision, inventory management, and food safety compliance. The ideal candidate will bring experience in pet food production or food & beverage manufacturing, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work closely with the leadership team on continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Operations:

• Lead daily treat manufacturing and packaging operations following production plans.
• Optimize staff utilization and equipment performance to maximize throughput.
• Implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all production activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe facility aligned with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Collect, evaluate, analyze, and assess production data.
• Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA regulations through regular safety audits and hazard assessments.
• Identify and correct problems and inefficiencies in process, materials, equipment, or skills.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management:

• Manage inventory of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods.
• Conduct regular cycle counts and resolve variances proactively.
• Collaborate with the CEO to plan production runs, forecast inventory needs, and manage vendor lead times.
• Uphold FIFO principles to minimize spoilage and reduce waste.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Conduct in-process and post-production inspections to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Enforce compliance with FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and internal quality policies.
• Maintain accurate production records and lot traceability.
• Regularly inspects and evaluates products for quality and defects.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, food safety, and accountability.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work collaboratively with the CEO, Finance Manager, Sales Managers, Administrative Assistant, and Fulfillment teams.
• Communicate production timelines, inventory availability, and processes across departments.
• Support packaging development, new product rollouts, and production trials.
• Participate in strategic planning meetings and provide insight into process improvements and operational efficiency.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Hire, train, and develop production and warehouse personnel.
• Schedule, delegate, and oversee daily production and packaging line activities.
• Lead performance reviews, provide coaching, and maintain team morale.
• Address personnel issues in compliance with HR and company policies.
• Cultivate a team-oriented culture focused on accountability, safety, and collaboration.

Required Skills and Abilities

• 5+ years of experience in food production, pet food manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) operations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface directly with executive leadership and the CEO.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management abilities.
• Experience with SOPs, batch documentation, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in spreadsheets, inventory tracking systems, and production planning tools (e.g., Shopify, QuickBooks, or similar).
• Familiarity with FDA regulations or other relevant food safety frameworks is a plus.

Education and Experience

• An associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Operations, or a related field is preferred.
• 3–5 years in a food or pet product manufacturing leadership role.
• Experience handling perishable products, baked goods, or shelf-stable CPG items preferred.

Technical Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Thorough understanding of the company's policies, procedures, systems, and objectives

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk on hard surfaces in a production facility for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs routinely.
• Visual acuity to inspect products, packaging, and production equipment.
• Comfortable with occasional desk work, data entry, and scheduling.

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