Production Manager - Tulsa - Nonni's Bakery

Description

Role: Production Manager

Location: Tulsa, OK

Reporting to: Plant Manager

Work Arrangement: Onsite

About Nonni's

Join Nonni's Food Group, the world's leading biscotti maker and a dynamic force in premium specialty cookies and healthier baked goods across North America. Since 1988, Nonni's has honored an Italian grandmother's legacy, bringing beloved brands like Nonni's, THINaddictives, and La Dolce Vita to grocery, mass, club, and online retailers everywhere. We are passionate about delighting consumers with authentic flavors and innovative new products, building loyalty that goes "beyond reason" through real ingredients and exceptional taste. Our vibrant culture thrives on respect, high expectations, empowerment, continuous learning, and constant communication, operating as a true "team-of-teams."

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Operations & Efficiency

• Plan, coordinate, and manage daily production schedules to meet customer demand and inventory targets
• Lead and supervise production supervisors and line operators across multiple shifts
• Monitor production metrics including throughput, yield, downtime, and labor efficiency
• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize productivity and reduce waste
• Manage production budgets and control manufacturing costs
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained and production lines operate at optimal capacity

Quality & Food Safety Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to food safety standards including HACCP, GMP, SQF, and FDA regulations
• Partner with quality assurance to maintain product specifications and address quality issues
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality or safety incidents
• Lead internal audits and support external certification audits
• Drive a culture of quality and food safety throughout the production team
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for all production activities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors and frontline employees
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold team members accountable
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching for continuous improvement
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence
• Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and overtime to meet production demands
• Drive employee engagement and retention initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and optimize equipment reliability
• Coordinate with procurement and supply chain to ensure material availability
• Partner with quality assurance on product specifications, testing, and compliance
• Present production performance and improvement initiatives to plant leadership
• Support new product launches and manufacturing scale-up activities
• Communicate effectively with corporate operations team on performance and capacity planning

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Champion workplace safety and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations
• Lead safety training programs and accident prevention initiatives
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement projects (5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma)
• Implement best practices to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence
• Foster a culture of innovation and problem-solving on the production floor

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in food manufacturing operations
• 3+ years of direct supervisory or management experience leading production teams
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, quality, and safety metrics
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality management systems
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Bakery or specialty food production experience strongly preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Strong operational leadership with ability to drive results through people
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments
• Advanced knowledge of production planning, scheduling, and capacity management
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills across all organizational levels
• Proficiency with manufacturing software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office
• Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable improvements
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred
• Relevant certifications (HACCP, SQF Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma) strongly preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Working Conditions

• On-site position based at Tulsa, OK manufacturing facility
• Must be able to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed
• Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, and physical activity
• Ability to stand, walk, and be on production floor for extended periods
• Occasional travel to other facilities or corporate office (<10%)

Compensation

• At Nonni's, we are proud to offer a commensurate base salary plus comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, financial wellness, and provide generous paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees also have the opportunity to receive an annual bonus based on company performance.

Nonni's Bakery is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our approach thrives on diverse viewpoints and backgrounds. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.