Production Manager

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager who can meet the demands of a dynamic and rapidly expanding multi-brand food manufacturing company. The ideal candidate will oversee and manage the daily production activities, ensuring the overall efficiency of the production process to meet production targets and quality standards.

About Us
Northwest Frozen is a Seattle-based, Founder-led, forward-thinking food manufacturing company, dedicated to redefining the culinary landscape with our innovative approach to food production. Our commitment to innovation and quality has propelled us to the forefront of the market. We are proud to be at the cutting edge of technology, continuously pushing the boundaries to develop new, exciting, and nutritious food products. Whether it's pioneering new ingredients, cooking techniques, or packaging designs, we strive to make a positive impact on the world's food industry.

We operate the largest sushi factory in North America, producing over one million pieces of sushi daily for national and international grocery chains. Apart from sushi, we offer restaurant-quality frozen and fresh ready meals. In 2024, we are launching new product lines that will revolutionize the fresh and frozen food industry.

We are driven by ambitious goals, fast execution, and a strong sense of urgency. Join us if you want to shape the next generation of frozen and fresh ready meals!

Our Team
At Northwest Frozen, our team is our most valuable asset! We foster an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning, which makes our workplace exciting and dynamic. As we continue to expand and grow our company, we are looking for an experienced Production Manager to join our energetic, diverse, and talented team and contribute to our collective success.

The Position
You will be reporting directly to the Plant Manager of the Company. Your main responsibility is to oversee and enhance the production process, ensuring that we meet all production targets while maintaining high-quality standards.

Key Responsibilities & Tasks
As the overseer of the daily production activities, your responsibility will be to ensure that high-quality products are delivered on time. You will collaborate with various departments such as QA, Maintenance, Logistics & Inventory, and HR to coordinate production activities, address any issues that might arise, and improve overall plant efficiency.

Your primary responsibilities and tasks will include:

• Production Planning and Scheduling: Develop and implement production plans and schedules to meet production targets by forecasting and monitoring customer demand.
• Team Management: Recruit, train, and supervise production Team Leads and staff. Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to ensure a motivated and high-performing team while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement among production staff.
• Inventory & Logistics Management: In close collaboration with the Logistics & Inventory team, monitor inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products to maintain optimal stock levels. Coordinate and ensure timely availability of materials to maintain adequate stock levels.
• Production Performance (KPIs) & Process Optimization: Establish and lead essential Production KPIs to continuously monitor and improve the performance of our production process to enhance productivity and reduce cost and waste.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Develop and manage production budgets, including labor, materials, and overhead costs. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement measures to control expenses without compromising quality or safety.
• Quality Standards and Compliance: Ensure compliance with quality standards, food safety regulations, and production protocols.
• Safety Compliance: Lead efforts to create a positive and proactive safety culture to eliminate injuries. Ensure a safe and clean working environment, correct unsafe conditions, and encourage employees to report safety issues. Train, coach, and direct employees on safety procedures, PPE, and the safe operation of all equipment. Maintain compliance with safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Communication and Reporting: Lead the process of monitoring and tracking all production activities, and communicate production goals, updates, and production performance to senior management and other stakeholders.

About You – Skills & Qualifications
We are seeking someone who embodies the following skills and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience required.
• Proven work experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Open-minded and receptive to change while supporting the company goals and initiatives.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential! You can effectively communicate with team members and other stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned with production goals.
• Proficient in implementing and using production management software and tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve production targets and operational excellence.
• You have experience in safety regulations and compliance to maintain a culture of safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong sense of accountability and ownership

Join Us
If you are an energetic, result-oriented Production Manager with a proven track record of successfully driving production performance and optimization to achieve measurable results, Northwest Frozen is the place for you!

Please apply through Indeed or provide your resume directly to the Director of People (HR), Mette Brogaard: mette@nwfrozen.com.

Interview Process
After you submit your application, our team will review your CV and your statement of exceptional work. If your application clears the initial review, you will be invited to a 15-minute phone interview where a team member will ask you some basic questions. If you pass this phone interview, you will proceed to the main selection process, which includes four technical interviews:

• Three 1-on-1 interviews focusing on work ethic, career goals, and motivations.
• A team interview, where you will meet more team members and deliver a 20-minute presentation on the most challenging technical problems you have solved.

We aim to complete this process within one week.

We do not use recruiters for assessments. All applications are evaluated by our Founder and CEO. All interviews will be conducted via Google Meet.

We Offer
We offer the following employee benefits:

• Competitive cash and an annual bonus based on company revenues
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Visa sponsorship for new hires (if applicable)

Position location: Des Moines, WA

Start Date: Immediate

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus opportunities

Ability to Relocate:

• Des Moines, WA 98198: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person