Production Manager

Job Description

The Production Manager owns the operations function tasks including planning, organizing, directing and controlling the operation activities.  The position will ensure all food preparation and packaging is compliant to the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety regulations.  The position will also oversee and monitor the performance of the Plant Operations as it relates to quality, safety, productivity, cost control, service to sales, team performance and leadership development. 

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• KHMS Cultural Transformation and Leadership: Drive the implementation of digital technologies and agile methodologies to support the KHMS cultural transformation, achieving an empowered culture with World Class standards and results for Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People. Lead and develop a team of production front-line leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and safety.
• Safety and Quality Excellence: Implement strategies to drive a Safety & Quality Perfect Culture throughout the Make and Pack Processes, leveraging digital tools and data analytics to identify areas for improvement. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and industry standards.
• Production Optimization: Achieve desired production costs, including fixed and variable labor costs, Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE), waste, attainment, and business waste. Utilize digital tools to optimize production planning and scheduling and take ownership of savings initiatives for the department.
• Product Portfolio Management: Work with Plant Manager, Production Scheduling and Maintenance to support managing a complex product portfolio for optimal run strategy and influence future fit portfolio transformation to produce quality products in a safe and cost-effective manner.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: Liaise and collaborate with key stakeholders (departments) to ensure full alignment with production schedules, key production milestones and requirements, including Sanitation, Quality, Maintenance, Research & Development, Planning, Logistics, and Brand.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Work with KHMS leads to develop and implement continuous improvement programs and identify opportunities to leverage KHMS strategies and digital technologies to drive innovation and continuous improvement in production processes.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior management, providing regular updates on plant performance, risks, and opportunities. Utilize digital tools to enhance data analytics and reporting.
• Finance and Resource Management: Manage and optimize the production budget and resources to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Engagement and Leadership Development: Foster positive employee relations and engagement by developing front-line leaders, providing coaching, mentoring, and feedback. Collaborate with functional leads and stakeholders to develop and implement short and long-term employee engagement strategies using KHMS and KHC leadership principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Food Technology, or related degree is strongly preferred

• 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment is required with a proven track record of driving transformational change and achieving operational excellence.
• Business and Financial Acumen: Demonstrated understanding of business principles, including financial management, market trends, and competitive analysis, with a proven ability to manage budgets, forecast financial performance, and make data-driven decisions that optimize financial results.
• Transformational Leadership: Proven ability to drive transformational change, achieve operational excellence, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.
• Leadership & Team Development: Demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, and empower team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to lead change, collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical capabilities to assess performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop effective strategies that enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and weekend work. 

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$118,400.00 – $148,000.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Champaign Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.