Production Manager (Nights)

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:

Leads and coordinates daily manufacturing operations to meet production, quality, safety, and cost objectives in a fast-paced environment. Executes production plans, optimizes resources, and drives continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. Provides hands-on leadership by engaging and motivating teams, including direct development of Production Supervisors. Sets clear expectations and drives accountability for performance, safety, and quality standards while building a strong, high-performing team. Partners with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations and timely product delivery.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Coordinates daily manufacturing activities to meet production schedules, quality standards, and cost targets; supports efforts to reduce waste and improve efficiency within established staffing levels.
• Leads daily shift communications and planning for multi-line operations, establishing clear production priorities and expectations while driving team engagement, accountability, and effective use of labor, equipment, and resources.
• Develops and executes daily, weekly, and short-term production schedules in coordination with Scheduling, Maintenance, Purchasing, and Customer Service to meet customer requirements.
• Monitors production performance using available systems and tools to track efficiency, waste, and downtime; works through Production Supervisors to drive accountability, address performance gaps, and implement corrective actions to improve results.
• Coordinates with Maintenance to support preventative maintenance activities and address equipment issues to minimize downtime and maintain reliable operations.
• Ensures compliance with quality and food safety standards, including GMP and PPE requirements; participates in audits, inspections, and follow-up actions to maintain required standards.
• Supports new product introductions and plant trials by coordinating production activities with cross-functional teams as needed.
• Collaborates with plant departments including Maintenance, Quality, and Customer Service to resolve production-related issues and maintain smooth operations.
• Monitors daily production metrics such as waste, downtime, and labor efficiency; takes action to address variances and improve performance in line with budget targets.
• Supports implementation of continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or other process improvement methodologies to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Works with HR and plant leadership to support staffing needs, employee relations, and consistent application of company policies.
• Provides direct supervision, coaching, and development for Production Supervisors and production employees; builds leadership capability within the team by setting clear expectations, actively motivating performance, and holding individuals accountable to safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Ensures all production activities comply with company policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Conducts employee training and performance feedback to support development and maintain a safe, productive work environment.
• Promotes a strong culture of safety and food safety by reinforcing safe work practices and compliance across the production team.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Production Supervisors

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience
• 2+ years in Aseptic, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical or other highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Supervisory experience required, including direct leadership of production or operations teams

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, with the ability to effectively plan, analyze, and resolve operational challenges in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Previous TPM and/or Lean Continuous Improvement experience preferred, including practical application of waste reduction, process optimization, and performance improvement methodologies
• Strong understanding of manufacturing financials, including labor management, cost control, and budget accountability
• Working knowledge of key performance indicators such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and other productivity metrics

Additional Considerations:

• Travel Expectation: Minimal
• Location: This position will be based out of Allentown, PA.
• Shift: Nights, Sun-Th; 11 pm to 7:30 am, flexibility needed to accommodate business needs.
• Work Environment: Majority of work is performed in an office / plant environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED