Production Operations Manager Jobs in Castro Valley, CA

WHO WE AREMama Teav's is a California-based Asian pantry brand best known for Hot Garlic, our signature chili crisp. We make bold, layered condiments rooted in real ingredients and real flavor. We operate our own production facility in Emeryville and are bringing a new automated bottling line online in 2026.THE ROLEThe Production & Operations Manager is responsible for people, process, and product at our Emeryville facility. This role owns production scheduling, quality assurance, food safety compliance, supply chain, and team leadership.This is a hands-on, floor-based role. You will run production days alongside the team, build and maintain the systems and documentation the operation needs, and lead the transition onto our new bottling line. This hire needs to be in place before that line comes online, so you can learn current processes first and own that transition.You lead by example, communicate directly, and hold yourself and your team accountable to clear standards. This role reports directly to the COO and manages production staff and direct reports at the facility. Some weekend availability may be required.WHAT YOU'LL DOProduction & SchedulingOwn the weekly production schedule across all SKUs; ensure on-time, on-spec outputLead daily production operations, including batch execution, equipment setup, and line changeoversOversee the ACASI bottling line and all production equipment; make hands-on mechanical adjustments and coordinate with vendors for maintenance and repairIdentify and implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve consistencyQuality & Food SafetyLead all food safety programs including HACCP, GMP, and SQF Level 2 complianceMaintain and improve quality control systems and standard operating proceduresManage internal audits, documentation, and preparation for third-party audits and inspectionsAct as the primary food safety point of contact for the facilityTeam LeadershipHire, onboard, train, and develop production staffBuild a culture of accountability, physical safety, and continuous improvement on the floorIdentify and mentor emerging leaders within the production teamManage employee relations and work closely with leadership to resolve issues quickly and fairlySupply Chain & SourcingManage vendor relationships for ingredients, packaging, and production suppliesMonitor inventory levels and coordinate with co-founders on purchasing decisionsImprove supply chain redundancy and cost efficiency over timeSupport supplier approval program (SAP) documentation and vendor qualificationOperations & StrategyBuild and maintain robust SOPs for all production and operations functionsCollaborate with the founding team on capacity planning, new product launches, and facility decisionsManage compliance documentation including SQF records, regulatory filings, and audit readinessContribute to long-term planning around equipment, personnel, facility, and scaleWHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR3+ years of experience in food manufacturing operations2+ years of experience managing direct reports in a production environmentWorking knowledge of food safety standards including HACCP, GMP, and SQF or equivalentMechanical aptitude, with the ability to troubleshoot and make hands-on adjustments to production line equipmentHands-on experience with production equipment, bottling lines, or filling operations a strong plusComfortable with spreadsheets, production tracking, and data-driven decision makingStrong communicator: clear, direct, and constructiveSolutions-oriented and calm under pressureFluent or near-fluent Spanish strongly preferredBASIC REQUIREMENTSAbility to work onsite at our Emeryville, CA facilityAbility to lift and carry at least 50 lbs, move between stations, and stand for extended periodsExcellent written and verbal communication skills in EnglishFluent or conversational Spanish strongly preferredAuthorization to work in the U.S.EXTRA CREDITSQF Practitioner certification or equivalentExperience with allergen control programs and allergen-free productionFamiliarity with ACASI or similar filling/bottling equipmentExperience building out or commissioning a new production lineMechanical, industrial maintenance, or equipment repair backgroundBackground in Asian cuisine, condiments, or saucesHOW TO APPLYSend your resume and a short note about why this role resonates with you. We're a small team and we read everything.