Director of Production

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Production to lead manufacturing operations at our Minneapolis-based facility specializing in salad toppings, trail mix, and dried fruits. This role is critical to driving operational excellence, ensuring food safety and quality, and scaling production to meet growing demand. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in food manufacturing, team leadership, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced CPG environment.

This position will be based in our New Hope MN manufacturing facility. It is not a remote position.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to production, scheduling, and maintenance functions to achieve company goals in safety, quality, service, and cost.

• Oversee daily production operations, ensuring adherence to schedules, labor plans, and efficiency targets.

• Partner with the Production Scheduler to balance capacity, labor, and materials while meeting customer demand.

• Direct the Maintenance Supervisor to ensure preventative and predictive maintenance programs are effective and minimize downtime.

·         Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to support new product launches and resolve production challenges.

• Process Optimization: Lead and/or support continuous improvement efforts to enhance throughput, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.

• Budget & KPI Management: Manage production budgets, track key performance indicators, and report regularly to executive leadership.

• Technology & Automation: Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance production capabilities and reduce manual labor.

• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement across production teams.

• Ensure compliance with food safety programs (HACCP, GMPs, SQF/BRC, FDA/USDA regulations).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Production Management, Manufacturing Engineering or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a senior production leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality systems.

• Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and improving plant performance.

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Competency

• Strategic leadership and decision-making

• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills

• Results-oriented with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Financial and analytical acumen

Why Join Us?

We are a family-owned company with a proud history in food manufacturing, built on integrity, teamwork, and commitment to quality. As Director of Production, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—not just on our processes and products, but on our people and culture. We value collaboration, innovative thinking, and hands-on leadership, and we empower our leaders to shape the future of our operations.

Salary Range:

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 - $125,000. This range reflects various factors such as education, skills, work experience, certifications, and more. Therefore, the final compensation for the selected candidate may fall anywhere within this range.

Benefits:

Good Sense Foods offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, HSA with company match, dental, life, long and short term disability, accident, critical illness, 401K with company match, prepaid legal plan, company store, education reimbursement and much more.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Good Sense Foods is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.