Production Manager

Description

Who we are

Founded in 2014 and based in Asheville, North Carolina, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn Inc is a leading gourmet popcorn company in the U.S. We sell direct-to-consumer and wholesale throughout the U.S. Poppy is the fastest-growing small to mid-sized CPG company in its category and boldly pursues ambitious goals that outperform the industry. 

We believe in using only the best ingredients. We believe in spending way too much time thinking up flavor combinations and making way too many batches of popcorn to get those recipes just right. We believe in savory. And sweet. And we especially believe in savory and sweet. Simply, Poppy makes the best popcorn you will ever eat. 

We are a people first organization and offer a professionally challenging and rewarding work environment. We are looking for innovative, creative, high energy, and talented professionals that have a passion for growing strong brands and products, thriving in an entrepreneurial environment, and building and leading fun, high-performing teams. 

General Summary

The Production Manager is an operations and people leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products for Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn. This role provides leadership across production, quality, maintenance, safety, and continuous improvement functions. The Production Manager will implement operational strategies, drive cultural excellence, and collaborate with cross-functional leaders to align manufacturing performance with company goals and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Execution

• Execute Poppy manufacturing strategy aligned with company goals.
• Provide leadership, performance coaching, and direction to production staff, leadpersons and cross-functional teams.
• Communicate clear objectives and KPIs for production, efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Lead organizational change initiatives to drive growth and scalability.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily, weekly, and long-term manufacturing operations to ensure consistent performance.
• Ensure production plans align with customer demand, sales forecasts, and company inventory goals.
• Collaborate closely with supply chain to maintain material availability and update fulfillment teams daily on production.
• Implement best practices in manufacturing processes to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
• Develop and implement a daily cadence of KPI metrics communication and review + facility wide performance “Dashboard” focused on tracking facility performance in key areas that drive employee safety, food safety, productivity and waste reduction.
• Resolve production issues, bottlenecks, and labor constraints in real time.

Production Planning & Capacity

• Develop capacity plans to meet current and future business needs.
• Evaluate labor, equipment, and facility utilization to maximize efficiency.
• Oversee master scheduling of production and labor schedules and coordinate with operations to ensure delivery commitments are met.
• Set clear expectations and hold teams/leads accountable to performance and behavior standards within the facility.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to GMP, HACCP, FDA, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements such as the NCDA&CS.
• Develop and implement food safety and quality action plans to maintain product quality and consistency.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring readiness and compliance.
• Champion a culture of mutual respect, quality, continuous improvement, and defect prevention.

Safety, Health & Environment

• Drive a “safety-first” culture across all manufacturing operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Lead initiatives to reduce workplace incidents and risks.
• Promote and conduct training, engagement, and accountability in safety practices.
• Instill and promote food safety culture at Poppy.
• Maintain OSHA record keeping and reporting compliance.

Financial & Cost Management

• Work withing the manufacturing operating budgetwith oversight and direction from CFO.
• Monitor financial performance, identifying cost-reduction opportunities without compromising quality.
• Track and report on key financial metrics to senior leadership.

Talent Development & People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team.
• Support a culture that attracts, retains, and develops top talent.
• Provide coaching and planning for future leadership needs.
• Partner with HR on workforce planning, recruitment, and employee engagement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with manager to execute manufacturing goals in accordance with overall business objectives.
• Collaborate with R&D and product development to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Partner with supply chain, sales, HR and finance to ensure operational transparency and alignment.

Requirements

Qualifications

Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field - or -  any equivalent combination of skills and experience. 

• 5-7 years of experience in operations management within the food manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality assurance practices.
• Proven experience in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems and other relevant software.
• Good understanding of how to operate and troubleshoot food manufacturing equipment.

Working Conditions

Extensive physical exertions which includes but are not limited to: 

• Sitting/Standing, walking for extended periods
• Lift and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally and 20–25 pounds frequently
• Push/pull product carts, racks, or ingredient bins as needed
• Climb stairs and occasionally ladders to access mezzanines or elevated equipment
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead during inspections or troubleshooting
• Use hands and fingers to operate equipment controls, touchscreens, tools, and documentation systems
• Respond quickly to production line issues requiring physical presence
• This role is based in a food manufacturing facility, requiring regular presence on the production floor.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or industry events.

Collaborates With

Production, Fulfillment, Sales, Finance, Marketing

Direct Reports

Lead Operators - Packaging, Kitchen, and Sanitation; Production Associates, Packaging Associates, Sanitation Associates

Classification

This position is full-time, exempt.

Estimated Weekly Hours

40+ hrs, Monday - Friday