Senior Production Manager

Aegis Worldwide

Sr. Production Manager

Direct Hire

Indianapolis, IN

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Production Manager to lead operations at our clients food manufacturing plant. This critical role is responsible for driving operational excellence, overseeing daily production planning, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in manufacturing leadership, continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.), and a deep understanding of food industry regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all aspects of production operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective manufacturing of high-quality food products.
• Develop and execute production schedules in alignment with demand planning, inventory levels, and labor resources.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing processes across the plant.
• Maintain rigorous compliance with food safety and quality assurance standards (HACCP, GMP, FDA, USDA, SQF/BRC, etc.).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, R&D, and Supply Chain to ensure operational alignment.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), including OEE, throughput, downtime, and yield; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Mentor and develop production team members to promote a culture of accountability, safety, and high performance.
• Ensure all production activities are executed in accordance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Drive cost savings and operational efficiency through strategic planning and resource management.
• Support capital projects, new product launches, and equipment commissioning activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s degree a plus).
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in food manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of food safety systems and regulatory compliance (HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SQF, BRC, etc.).
• Proven track record of implementing Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Proficient in production planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Certified in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Experience with automated processing and packaging equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Bi-lingual skills (e.g., Spanish/English) are a plus in multi-cultural operations.