Production Operations Manager Jobs in Kenner, LA

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all sandwich, blending and packaging production operations to ensure products are made safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in compliance with quality and food safety standards. They lead production teams, manage resources, and continuously improve processes to meet customer demand and company goals.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage daily sandwich production activities (prep, assembly, slicing, packaging) to meet volume, cost, and service targets.
• Develop and maintain production schedules, staffing plans, and line assignments based on orders, forecasts, and capacity.
• Ensure all products meet company quality specifications, weight and portion standards, and customer requirements.​
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety programs (HACCP, GMPs, sanitation, allergen controls, temperature control, traceability).
• Enforce health and safety procedures, ensure a clean and safe production environment, and promptly address hazards or incidents.
• Lead, train, and coach supervisors, line leads, and production staff; conduct performance reviews and support development and cross‐training.
• Monitor production KPIs (yield, line efficiency, labor cost per unit, scrap/waste, downtime) and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Warehouse to ensure adequate supply of bread, proteins, cheeses, vegetables, sauces, and packaging materials; monitor inventory and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance on inspections, hold/release decisions, corrective actions, and continuous improvement of quality systems.
• Work with Maintenance to schedule preventive maintenance and respond quickly to equipment breakdowns affecting sandwich lines.
• Support new product introductions and process changes, including test runs, line setup, and standard operating procedure (SOP) updates.
• Prepare and maintain production records, reports, and documentation required for audits, regulatory compliance, and internal review.
• Drive continuous improvement in yield, throughput, labor utilization, and changeover times using lean or similar tools.

Qualifications-

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered. (all favorable but not required).
• 3–5+ years of production or operations management experience in food manufacturing, preferably ready‐to‐eat or sandwich/meal assembly.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and programs (HACCP, GMP, USDA/FDA, sanitation).
• Proven leadership experience supervising hourly employees and frontline leaders in a fast‐paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, manage budgets, and meet production and cost targets.
• Solid understanding of production planning, inventory control, and basic maintenance concepts.
• Strong communication, problem‐solving, and decision‐making skills and the ability to work cross‐functionally.

Work environment and physical requirements

• Manufacturing/commissary environment with refrigerated areas, moving machinery, and frequent standing, walking, and manual handling of ingredients and packaging.
• Ability to lift moderate weights (e.g., boxes of ingredients) and work in cold or cool production rooms for extended periods.
• Availability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays as production demands require.

Reporting structure and metrics

• Reports to: Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or General Manager (depending on company size).
• Direct reports: Production supervisors, line leads, and production employees.
• Key metrics: On‐time order fulfillment, line efficiency, yield, waste, labor cost per unit, customer complaints/returns, safety and food safety audit results.

Our family business is run by the third and fourth generation of Perrone family members. We have been lucky enough to have inherited experience and dedication from our previous generations. This allows us to be ready to serve the customer and continue to grow the family business for the next generation to take over.