Director of Central Food Production

Job description

Up to $140,000 PER YEAR GENERAL PURPOSE: The Central Food Production Director oversees all operations of our central food production facility, which supplies prepared foods to 20 retail locations across the state. This key leadership role is responsible for ensuring consistent, high-quality food production while maintaining rigorous food safety standards. The Director manages all aspects of the production facility, including staff supervision, equipment maintenance, quality control, distribution logistics, and regulatory compliance. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: • Follows established departmental and store policies and procedures • Directly oversee the successful operation of all food production activities • Ensures the quality and freshness of all products and services provided throughout all of food production • Develop and implement production schedules to optimize efficiency and meet distribution deadlines • Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for all production processes • Responsible for maintaining the appropriate product assortment and inventory levels for all departments • Collaborate with Executive Chef and product development team on new menu items and seasonal offerings • Ensures company standards for safety, sanitation and productivity are maintained • Performs periodic department audits and taste tests to ensure all products meet established standards • Develop and enforce quality control procedures at all stages of production • Investigate and resolve any quality or safety issues that arise • Manage a team of production supervisors, line cooks, prep staff, and packaging personnel • Training and development of associates with emphasis on food safety and quality standards • Provides honest, direct, and constant feedback to associates regarding their performance and areas of improvement; assesses associate performance and influences promotion, discipline, etc. • Oversee maintenance and sanitation of all production equipment • Evaluate and recommend equipment upgrades or replacements as needed • Ensure compliance with all safety regulations regarding equipment operation • Analyze production costs and implement efficiency improvements • Monitor key performance indicators related to production output, quality, and cost • Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings • Collaborate with purchasing ingredients and supply procurement to optimize costs • Coordinate with fleetteam to ensure timely and efficient delivery of products to all 20 store locations • Develop packaging standards that maintain product quality during transportation • Sets a professional and positive example to others • Assists as needed to ensure the success of the department as a whole MARGINAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs other job-related duties as assigned. NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS: • Consistent and daily interaction with store associates • Consistent and daily interaction with vendors TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities: A high school diploma or GED preferred; two or four-year degree in food science, technical sales, communication, business or related field preferred; five years of food production or other central kitchen or manufacturing experience with managerial/leadership preferred; or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: • Current Food Handler’s Permit • Basic math skills • Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite • Must obtain Harmons’ Forklift Certification • Experience with HACCP safety standards • Proficiency with inventory management and production planning software • Experience with large-scale food production for retail distribution • Detail-oriented with strong commitment to quality and food safety • Must possess integrity, a positive attitude, be mission-driven, and be self-directed with a demonstrated passion for Harmons’ mission and commitment to working collaboratively • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities • Must possess solid communication skills, including verbal and listening skills to communicate with and manage diverse groups of people effectively and efficiently • Ability to handle conflict appropriately and professionally • Must possess the ability to accept constructive review and be accountable for one’s own success as well as the success of your team • Required to make logical, significant decisions using general, recognized analytical skills and techniques • Continually strives to be product minded, customer minded, personnel minded, detailed, forward focused, and consistent • Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is generally performed in a safe and comfortable store environment with the possibility of frequent exposure to cold, hot, slippery, and wet conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to grasp, push, pull, carry, stoop, twist, crouch, and reach; perform tasks requiring repetitive motion and eye, hand, and foot coordination; hear and respond to customer inquiries. Also requires standing, walking, and bending throughout the entire workday and the ability to maneuver heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds from location to location. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our employees' differences including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and Veteran status. Diversity makes us better.