Production Manager

Job Summary

Production Manager - Bakery Manufacturing

Cidrines | US Baking Operations (USBO) Lakeland, FL

Position Summary

Cidrines is seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to lead our bakery manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence through safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a strong background in food manufacturing, preferably bakery operations, who can develop supervisors, lead multicultural teams, improve operational performance, and deliver measurable business results.

This position requires a leader who understands both the operational and technical aspects of bakery manufacturing, including dough systems, ingredient functionality, baking processes, and production equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily bakery production operations to achieve safety, quality, service, and productivity goals.
• Develop, coach, and hold supervisors accountable for operational performance.
• Improve labor productivity, production efficiency, and overall plant performance.
• Drive waste reduction, yield improvement, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Monitor and manage production KPIs and support data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, OSHA, and food safety requirements.
• Manage staffing levels, labor utilization, scheduling, and overtime control.
• Partner with Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Food Safety teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and operational excellence.
• Support budget management and operational cost control initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The successful candidate will have experience managing and improving:

• Production Attainment
• Labor Productivity
• Labor Cost Management
• Overtime Reduction
• Yield Improvement
• Waste Reduction
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Employee Safety Performance
• Product Quality
• Customer Complaints
• Inventory Performance
• Attendance and Workforce Stability

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Manufacturing, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Experience leading supervisors and large production teams.
• Bakery manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, GMP, HACCP, SQF, and OSHA requirements.
• Proven success in reducing costs, improving efficiencies, and increasing productivity.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of production KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

What Will Make You Stand Out

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate measurable achievements such as:

• Reducing operational costs.
• Improving labor efficiency and productivity.
• Reducing product waste and improving yields.
• Improving safety performance and reducing incidents.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Developing and coaching supervisors.
• Utilizing KPIs to drive operational decisions.
• Managing multicultural workforces in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Bakery Manufacturing Experience

Because we are a commercial bread manufacturing facility, candidates with experience in the following areas are strongly preferred:

• Dough systems and dough handling
• Ingredient functionality and formulations
• Mixing operations
• Fermentation and proofing processes
• Baking operations
• Packaging systems
• Bakery equipment and process optimization

Why Join Cidrines?

• Opportunity to lead a growing bakery manufacturing operation.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Collaborative and team-oriented environment.
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities.
• Commitment to quality, food safety, employee development, and operational excellence.

Join a company where your leadership will directly impact productivity, efficiency, employee development, and the continued growth of our bakery operation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application online using the link below.