Production Manager

17400 near Cook Rd, Burlington WA

Description

PRODUCTION MANAGER Sakuma Bros. is part of the family-owned farming and processing operation spanning four generations with over 85 years of experience in the small fruit industry. Home based in Burlington, WA, the company is located in the premier berry growing area of the Pacific Northwest. The berry processing operations engages in packing, marketing, sales, and distribution of fresh and frozen berries grown by the Sakuma family as well as many area growers, for both the domestic and international markets. We are seeking a full time Production Manager to join our team! We offer a competitive salary, medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k with company match, and paid time off to eligible employees. The Production Manager is responsible for facilitating and overseeing all aspects of plant production. This position provides oversight of production labor to ensure that the plant is operating, and product is packed, in accordance with all customer, specification, and regulatory requirements. The Production Manager works in a coordinated effort with the Farm, Shipping, Quality Assurance (QA) and Maintenance personnel to maintain the highest level of operational safety, product quality, efficiency, and profitability. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Oversees the daily production operations. • Coordinates production with the Pack Plan, sales, QA, and operations to determine the best utilization of raw product. • Ensures all products are packed according to buyer specifications and standards, and in compliance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), SQF, and other food safety practices. • Develops and implements a training program that ensures production personnel have the required knowledge and experience to execute tasks in correct manner that ensures safe and efficient production. Schedules production personnel and manages labor cost to meet projected budget. • Maintains current, accurate, and detailed production and processing records. • Assists in the development of policies and procedures for all storage facilities. • Maintains the cleanliness and safety of the plant and other work areas, as needed. • Ensures the facility, equipment, and machines are at a level to meet production demands and deadlines. • Responsible and accountable for continuous improvement and efficiencies throughout the processing plant. • Provides direct supervision over staff to include discretionary authority to determine methods of work; plan, assign and direct the work; in coordination with human resources and corporate policy, recommend personnel actions (promotions, wage adjustments, demotions, discipline, discharge, etc.); administer routine performance appraisals; and interview/select employees. Emphasis is to be placed on maintaining staffing at the appropriate levels to operate at peak efficiency and in developing continuity in key positions. • Develops and maintains effective communications between Processing management, Farm management, other employees, and any other individuals that affect the operations of the processing plant. • Informs the VP of Operations and works in coordination with the Human Resources department in maintaining staffing at the appropriate levels to operate at peak efficiency, retaining good employees, and developing continuity in key positions. REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in agricultural studies, Food Science, or business management OR a high school diploma and a minimum of five (5) years progressive experience in food processing, including a minimum of one (1) year supervisory experience preferably in processing plant operations. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted that provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. • Knowledge of federal, state, and company occupational safety rules and practices. • General knowledge of Farm operations for overall understanding of harvest operations and receipt of raw product. • Knowledge and experience in cost accounting, inventory control, and asset management. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to supervise a large number of employees with a wide range of skill sets, educational levels and work experiences. • Knowledge and experience in lean manufacturing methodologies. • Proficient in the use of spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic communications. • Able to operate forklifts and heavy equipment and train others in the safe operation of these. • Ability to speak conversational Spanish preferred. • Able to adapt, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted, and work is accomplished. LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS: Valid Washington State driver’s license, CPR and First Aid certificates.