Production Food Manager at Blake's Orchard, Inc. – 17985 Armada Center Rd Armada MI 48005, Michigan

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled Bakery Production Manager to lead and optimize our bakery production operations. This role focuses on managing people, processes, inventory, and systems to ensure efficient, high-quality, and on-time production. The ideal candidate is an experienced production or operations manager who can use data and systems to run a disciplined and organized production environment. Baking experience is not required.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Management:

• Plan, schedule, and execute daily and weekly production to meet customer orders and sales forecasts.
• Balance labor, equipment, and production capacity to maximize efficiency and reduce bottlenecks or downtime.
• Monitor workflow to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization.

ERP / Systems Ownership:

• Oversee production workflows in ERP systems (NetSuite experience preferred).
• Ensure accurate tracking of inventory for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Manage order flow from sales through production to fulfillment, using data to forecast, plan, and improve operations.

People & Floor Leadership:

• Supervise production staff and floor supervisors, setting clear expectations and accountability.
• Train teams on standardized processes, ensuring consistency and operational discipline.
• Foster a calm, organized, and collaborative production environment.

Quality & Compliance:

• Maintain quality control systems, including specifications, checks, and documentation.
• Enforce food safety and sanitation standards, ensuring compliance with local and national regulations.
• Partner with QA teams to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Inventory & Supply Management:

• Monitor and maintain inventory accuracy while managing suppliers and materials.
• Forecast ingredient requirements based on projected production volumes.
• Implement processes to minimize waste and maintain cost control.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Production Manager, Operations Manager, or similar leadership role in food production or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of ERP systems and production workflows (NetSuite experience preferred).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams, implement processes, and maintain operational discipline.
• Familiarity with quality control systems and food safety regulations.
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to use data to drive production decisions and improvements.

Preferred Experience with Bakery Production Equipment (a plus):

• Bun Dividers, Dough Sheeters, Drop Fryers, Walk-in Ovens, 60 qt Mixers, Walk-in Proof Boxes, Donut Machines