Production Manager

Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See’s Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See’s Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See’s is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.

Job Description Summary:

This position is responsible for managing the candy making processes from raw materials to finished goods in accordance with See’s established standards of safety, quality, service, and cost. To manage operations personnel, equipment, raw materials, and execution of the production schedule to ensure an adequate supply of products to the Packing Department and Selling Divisions.

The pay range for this position is expected to be $100k-$110k annually; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

Position Responsibilities:

The Plant Manager is accountable for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a small-scale confectionery manufacturing facility, overseeing production processes from raw material receipt and preparation through candy manufacturing and transfer of finished product to the Packing Department.

The position ensures consistent execution of the production schedule and adherence to company standards for Safety, Quality, Service, and Cost. The Plant Manager leads and develops production personnel, maintains operational discipline, and drives continuous improvement in collaboration with Maintenance, Quality, Supply Planning, and other cross-functional partners.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong presence on the plant floor, sound technical judgment, and the ability to balance daily production requirements with employee development, food safety, equipment reliability, and operational performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Production and Operational Management

· Manage daily plant operations to safely and consistently meet production plans, product specifications, and customer service requirements.

·        Translate the production schedule into effective staffing, equipment utilization, material readiness, and shift execution plans.

·        Ensure the timely supply of compliant, high-quality candy products to the Packing Department.

·        Monitor production performance, yields, waste, labor productivity, and equipment utilization; address deviations and implement corrective actions.

·        Provide hands-on operational leadership during production startups, shutdowns, product changeovers, and troubleshooting activities to minimize downtime, waste, and product loss.

·        Maintain accurate ERP transactions and production records, including material consumption, inventory movements, labor reporting, production quantities, and schedule adherence.

2. Safety, Quality, and Food Safety

·        Establish and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with company policies, applicable regulations, and required safety training.

·        Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, food defense, allergen control, sanitation, and applicable regulatory and certification requirements.

·        Ensure production processes consistently follow approved formulas, specifications, work instructions, and quality standards.

·        Partner closely with the onsite Quality team to address nonconformances, investigate incidents, implement corrective and preventive actions, and maintain audit readiness.

·        Ensure production employees understand and follow food safety and quality requirements, with clear accountability for compliance.

·        Lead safety huddles and operational meetings, communicate lessons learned, and promptly address unsafe conditions and at-risk behaviors.

·        Ensure compliance with applicable environmental requirements and maintain required operational documentation.

3. People Leadership and Development

·        Directly lead, coach, and develop two Production Supervisors, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and consistent management practices.

·        Provide overall leadership for approximately 20–30 plant employees, fostering teamwork, engagement, inclusion, and a performance-oriented culture.

·        Ensure adequate staffing and effective shift coverage; coordinate recruitment, employee transfers, and workforce adjustments with Human Resources in accordance with applicable labor laws and the Union contract.

·        Manage employee performance, attendance, training, development, and corrective action in accordance with company policies and labor agreements.

·        Maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, skills matrices, and training programs for production roles.

·        Build a capable, flexible workforce through cross-training, skills development, succession planning, and clear communication.

·        Promote the company’s core values and foster a respectful workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and employee contributions.

4. Equipment Reliability and Maintenance Coordination

·        Collaborate with the onsite Maintenance team through a dotted-line working relationship to ensure equipment reliability, safe operating conditions, and timely resolution of breakdowns.

·        Coordinate production and maintenance priorities, planned downtime, preventive maintenance windows, and equipment changeovers.

·        Support the implementation of preventive and autonomous maintenance practices, including equipment inspections, basic care, cleaning standards, and early identification of abnormalities.

·        Ensure production personnel operate equipment correctly and promptly report defects, abnormal conditions, and safety concerns.

·        Participate in root-cause analysis of recurring equipment failures and production losses, ensuring corrective actions are implemented and sustained.

·        Support equipment modifications, capital improvements, and new technology implementation as required.

5. Performance Management and Continuous Improvement

·        Establish clear daily and weekly performance routines, including shift handovers, production reviews, and follow-up on open actions.

·        Monitor, analyze, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) covering Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

·        Use data and structured problem-solving to identify root causes, eliminate waste, reduce process variation, and improve production efficiency.

·        Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives using appropriate Lean, TPM, and other operational excellence tools.

·        Engage supervisors and frontline employees in identifying improvement opportunities and standardizing successful practices.

·        Ensure corrective actions are completed on time and that improvements deliver sustainable results.

6. Planning, Inventory, and Cost Management

·        Coordinate with Supply Planning, Procurement, Warehousing, and Packing to ensure material availability and alignment between production capacity and business requirements.

·        Maintain appropriate control of raw materials, work in process, finished goods, and production consumables.

·        Ensure accurate inventory transactions, material traceability, product identification, and stock rotation in accordance with company requirements.

·        Develop and manage the plant operating budget in collaboration with the Plant Director, monitoring labor, material usage, utilities, maintenance-related production losses, and other controllable expenses.

·        Identify cost-reduction opportunities without compromising safety, quality, food safety, or service.

·        Escalate significant production risks, capacity constraints, resource requirements, and operational variances in a timely manner.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication

· Maintain an effective working relationship with Maintenance and Quality through clear priorities, shared objectives, and regular communication, while respecting their respective functional responsibilities.

·        Coordinate with the Plant Director and relevant support functions on production performance, staffing, quality issues, maintenance needs, and improvement priorities.

·        Communicate production status, risks, deviations, and recovery plans clearly and promptly.

·        Support the implementation of new products, processes, procedures, systems, and company initiatives.

·        Ensure accurate, timely operational reporting and maintain documentation required for internal reviews, customer requirements, and external audits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1.     Experience: At least 7 years of progressive experience in food or confectionery manufacturing, including production leadership and responsibility for operational performance. Experience managing a small manufacturing facility or a comparable production area is required.

2.     People Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead supervisors and frontline employees, establish accountability, develop talent, and manage performance effectively.

3.     Manufacturing Knowledge: Working knowledge of production scheduling, material and inventory control, process flow, manufacturing equipment, and finished-product requirements.

4.     Food Safety and Quality: Practical understanding of GMP, food safety, sanitation, allergen management, quality systems, and regulatory compliance in a food manufacturing environment.

5.     Operational Excellence: Demonstrated ability to solve operational problems, improve productivity, reduce waste, and implement standardized work and continuous improvement practices.

6.     Communication: Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across shifts and functions.

7.     Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Science, Engineering, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent relevant education and manufacturing experience will be considered.

8.     Systems and Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with ERP systems and production scheduling or inventory management applications preferred.

9.     Adaptability: Ability to learn new technologies, manage change, prioritize competing demands, and respond constructively to operational challenges.

10.  Language: Spanish language proficiency is an advantage.

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

·        Visible, hands-on leadership: Regular presence on the plant floor, active engagement with employees, and timely resolution of operational issues.

·        Ownership and accountability: Clear responsibility for production results, compliance, employee performance, and follow-through on commitments.

·        Safety and quality first: Consistent decisions that protect employees, consumers, products, and the business.

·        People development: Ability to coach supervisors, build employee capabilities, and establish a culture of engagement and accountability.

·        Structured execution: Disciplined daily management, effective shift handovers, reliable reporting, and sustained adherence to standards.

·        Continuous improvement mindset: Willingness to challenge existing practices, solve problems at their root cause, and improve processes pragmatically.

·        Cross-functional partnership: Constructive collaboration with Maintenance, Quality, Planning, and other stakeholders to achieve shared business objectives.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

See's is an EOE
See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).