Production Manager - Chemical, Food or Beverage

Production Manager - Chemical, Food or Beverage

Ottawa, Ohio area

Join a century-old, recession-proof industry leader where you’re more than a number, offering direct access to ownership, rapid project approvals, and a rare compensation structure that includes both bonus potential and paid overtime!

➡️ Century-Old Stability: Join a recession-proof, locally owned industry leader with over 100 years of established success.

➡️ Direct Impact: Enjoy a "more than a number" culture with direct access to owners for rapid project approvals.

➡️ Unique Earning Potential: Stand out with a leadership role that offers both bonus potential and overtime pay after 40 hours.

➡️ Proven Foundations: Step into a plant with well-established processes and a highly cross-trained team.

➡️ Collaborative Culture: Work in a privately held environment where professional growth and team-based success are prioritized.

Due to an internal move, an established, stable manufacturer is seeking a Production Manager to lead production and multiple facets of operations. This position reports to the Director or Operations and manages a team of direct and indirect reports. As the Production Manager, you will be responsible for the following tasks:

Operational Leadership

• Facility Management: Direct all plant operations and lead a management team including Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Safety.

• Strategic Planning: Coordinate departmental schedules to ensure manufacturing goals are met safely, efficiently, and within budget.

• Resource Optimization: Partner with other facility leaders to share resources and support production supervision during peak operations.

Continuous Improvement & Quality

• Process Enhancement: Lead facility and equipment improvements to reduce waste and boost productivity.

• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with the quality department to ensure all products meet internal specifications and food safety standards.

• Technical Support: Ensure the quality lab is fully equipped and personnel are following standard operating procedures.

Compliance & Safety

• Regulatory Oversight: Maintain strict compliance with OSHA, FSMA, and HACCP plans.

• Security & Safety: Serve on food safety committees and ensure a secure environment for all staff, vendors, and visitors.

• Labor & Workflow: Coordinate labor requirements for labeling, packaging, and sanitation with warehouse and production teams.

Financial Management

• Budgetary Control: Regularly review expenditures with executive management to ensure fiscal alignment.

Candidates should enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment and enjoy manufacturing floor presence, coaching and mentoring your team, and taking initiative and ownership of the plant. Individuals should have strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to present to upper management. The company offers competitive medical benefits, 401K match, life insurance, paid holidays and vacation. Weekly you will average 50 hours (getting paid overtime for the time you put in) and support busy season July-November.

REQUIREMENTS for the Production Manager:
1. Minimum of a high school diploma or GED, post education is highly preferred
2. At least 3-5 years of experience in a similar production management role

3. Experience overseeing production in chemical, food or beverage manufacturing, including a blending/mixing process

4. Experience overseeing production in non-union work environments

5. Experience overseeing direct and indirect, including overseeing a total of at least 30 employees

6. Microsoft Office

Skills preferred but NOT required:
1. ERP experience
2. Strong mechanical aptitude or an engineering background
3. GMP, HACCP, SQF or PCQI experience

4. The ability and willingness to drive a forklift when needed

Reasons to work for this organization:
➡️ Work in a team oriented environment
➡️ Flexibility for appointments and family commitments
➡️ Well-established, locally-owned company
➡️ Stable, recession-proof product line

Candidates are preferred to be local to the Ottawa, OH area; there is not any relocation available at this time.

manufacturing manager, operations manager, superintendent, business unit manager, value stream manager, plant manager, operations management, BUM, area manager, processing, chemical process, food, beverage,