Production Manager, MI

Title: Production Manager 

Reports to: Operations Manager

Location: Benton Harbor, MI

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Exempt

LOCATION AND COMPANY SUMMARY

Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, Benton Harbor offers a unique blend of affordability, opportunity, and lakeside living that’s hard to beat. Just minutes from the charming waterfront community of St. Joseph (less than a 20-minute drive), residents enjoy easy access to sandy beaches, boutique shopping, and year-round festivals. The area is also within a short drive of South Haven (about 30 minutes) and under two hours from Chicago, making weekend getaways effortless. 

With nearby wineries, golf courses, and outdoor recreation, plus a growing local food and arts scene, Benton Harbor delivers a laid-back lifestyle with big-city access—perfect for professionals looking to grow their careers without sacrificing quality of life.

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

JOB PURPOSE

Responsible for the overall success of the team and department with the day-to-day emphasis on production scheduling, order fulfillment, personnel training, succession planning, job descriptions, system inputs and accuracy, lot number and load list priority management, shrink management, yield optimization, OSHA safety compliance. Exhibits strong communication leadership working with other packing facilities between supply, logistics, and sales.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enforce all company policies and procedures.
• Prepare all paperwork required in a neat, legible, and timely manner.
• Maintain an efficient and productive line of cooperation and communication with other departments and support groups.
• Organize and update operating procedures on an ongoing basis 
• Maintain a high level of morale in all areas of production by responding to employee needs, recognizing achievement, and providing ongoing training programs.
• Meet and maintain all related company objectives and efficiency standards for:
• Pounds, cases per man hour
• Yield
• Safety
• Sanitation
• Quality
• Product specification
• Overtime
• Train an assistant to assume all related duties on days off, illness, vacation, or out of plant workdays.
• Responsible for:
• Hiring new employees
• Disciplinary procedures
• Performance reviews and pay increases
• Ensure that products are produced efficiently while maintaining the standards of quality set by the company. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Constant exposure to product fumes such as onions, peppers, and other strong-scented produce.
• Exposure to cleaning and sanitation chemicals, including chlorine-based solutions.
• Frequent work in cold environments, typically 45°F or below.
• High-pressure atmosphere related to meeting production timelines and operational goals.
• Work performed in a food-manufacturing setting with exposure to moving equipment, production lines, and sanitation activities.
• Other duties as assigned based on departmental or facility needs.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

• Frequent to constant standing and walking throughout the facility.
• Occasional to frequent bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of products weighing 5 to 50 pounds.
• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand motions (such as writing or documentation tasks).
• Ability to meet the physical demands associated with a fast-paced production environment and tight production schedules.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including holidays, weekends, and extended shifts as needed. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Fresh Foods/CPG Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Industry Experience 
• 2+ years Operations Experience
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Word & PowerPoint 
• Leadership qualities (positively affect/influence others/delegate responsibility) 
• Excellent verbal, written, and general communication skills
• Possession of key competencies, including conflict management, business negotiation, organization and decision-making

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the companies needs evolve.