Leading daily manufacturing operations across multiple shifts at the Detroit production facility is the core of this Production Manager role. The manager will oversee production personnel, coordinate manufacturing schedules, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure production targets are consistently met while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. This position suits a hands-on leader with a proven ability to build high-performing teams, develop employees, improve manufacturing processes, and drive operational excellence.
Responsibilities
Direct and oversee daily manufacturing operations across multiple production shifts, including batching, blending, bottling, canning, and packaging activities
Develop, maintain, and execute production schedules in collaboration with the Director of Operations, production leads, and other key stakeholders
Ensure production targets, deadlines, and quality expectations are consistently achieved
Coordinate production staffing, equipment availability, and material requirements to support efficient operations
Monitor production workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to improve operational performance
Review production documentation daily to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures
Hire, onboard, train, schedule, supervise, and develop production personnel, including team leads and production associates across multiple shifts
Establish clear performance expectations and hold employees accountable for productivity, quality, attendance, and workplace conduct
Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities
Address employee performance and conduct concerns promptly and consistently in partnership with Human Resources
Participate in disciplinary decisions and employee relations matters in accordance with company policies and established HR procedures
Develop cross-training initiatives and succession plans to strengthen operational coverage and employee capabilities
Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment that promotes teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous improvement
Establish, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs), including production output, efficiency, downtime, waste, labor utilization, and overall equipment performance
Analyze production data to identify opportunities for operational improvement
Implement process improvements to increase productivity, reduce manufacturing costs, and minimize waste
Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement principles to improve production performance
Collaborate with leadership to establish operational goals and implement strategies to achieve them
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Coordinate urgent equipment repairs and preventive maintenance activities to minimize disruptions to production schedules
Work closely with Maintenance and Operations to ensure production equipment is properly maintained and operating efficiently
Identify equipment performance issues and support troubleshooting and corrective actions
Assist with equipment improvements, process optimization, and manufacturing expansion initiatives
Ensure production operations comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), applicable HACCP requirements, OSHA regulations, and company safety standards
Promote a strong safety culture through employee training, proactive hazard identification, and consistent enforcement of safety procedures
Partner with Quality personnel to ensure products meet established specifications and quality standards
Ensure production employees follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), sanitation requirements, and safe manufacturing practices
Support investigations, corrective actions, and preventive measures related to production quality or safety concerns
Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local manufacturing regulations
Coordinate with the Supply Chain team to ensure raw materials, packaging components, and other required supplies are available before scheduled production runs
Oversee quarterly inventories of production materials and finished goods
Support accurate inventory tracking, material usage documentation, and reconciliation of discrepancies
Develop, monitor, and manage the production personnel budget
Monitor labor costs, overtime, staffing levels, and resource utilization to maintain operational efficiency
Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising product quality, employee safety, or production performance
Requirements
5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within food, beverage, brewing, distilling, or spirits production
Minimum of 3 years of experience in a production leadership or management role
Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing teams of up to 25 employees or more
Proven ability to manage production operations across multiple shifts
Strong knowledge of manufacturing equipment, production processes, and operational workflows
Experience developing production schedules, managing staffing requirements, and meeting production goals
Experience tracking production KPIs and implementing process improvements
Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP principles, OSHA requirements, and manufacturing safety standards
Experience using ERP or manufacturing management systems for production and material tracking
Experience managing production labor costs, staffing budgets, and operational resources
Strong leadership, coaching, conflict resolution, and employee development skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities
Ability to make sound independent decisions, solve operational problems, and escalate concerns appropriately
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while supervising production activities
Ability to bend, kneel, climb ladders, and perform physical activities associated with a manufacturing environment
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds when necessary
Ability to work across multiple production shifts as operational needs require
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
Nice to have:
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
Experience in alcoholic beverage manufacturing, bottling, canning, or liquid processing
Experience implementing manufacturing process improvements or new production equipment
Familiarity with preventive maintenance programs and equipment performance tracking
Experience working in a growing manufacturing organization
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan (no employer match)
Paid time off and company holidays
Life and disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional company-sponsored benefits, subject to eligibility
Flexible spending account
Parental leave
Important Details
Schedule: Work across multiple production shifts as operational needs require
About the Company
Endless West is a team of scientists, sommeliers, writers, chefs, and dropouts creating the next generation of wine and spirits. They are committed to exploring the limits of what's possible through scientific innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
