Production Operations Manager - Honey Processing & Packaging
World Honey Market, LLC | Sanderson, Florida (On-Site)
Lead Production Operations for America's Growing Vertical Honey Company
World Honey Market, LLC seeks a Production Operations Manager to oversee our honey processing and packaging facility. With 25,000+ colonies producing premium honey for major retailers, we need a supply chain and production expert to optimize our manufacturing operations.
The Opportunity
- Production leadership: Manage end-to-end honey processing and bottling operations
- Supply chain ownership: Control raw material procurement and inventory management
- Scale operations: Optimize production for current 1M+ lbs annual output with growth to 4M+ lbs
- Direct impact: Your efficiency improvements directly affect company profitability
About World Honey Market
We control the entire honey supply chain from hive to shelf. Our production facility in Sanderson, Florida processes raw honey from our 25,000+ colonies and partner apiaries into retail-ready products for major big box stores and small local retailers. We're expanding through acquisitions and need production excellence to support our growth.
What You'll Do
Production Management
- Oversee daily honey processing, filtering, and bottling operations
- Manage production scheduling to meet retail customer demands and delivery windows
- Ensure product quality standards and consistency across all SKUs
- Optimize production line efficiency and minimize downtime
- Implement and maintain food safety protocols (HACCP, SQF, FDA compliance)
- Manage equipment maintenance schedules and coordinate repairs
Supply Chain & Inventory
- Forecast and order raw honey requirements from company apiaries and external suppliers
- Manage bulk honey inventory (drums, totes) and optimize storage utilization
- Coordinate raw material purchasing (bottles, caps, labels, packaging materials)
- Maintain optimal inventory levels - minimize carrying costs while preventing stockouts
- Negotiate with suppliers for packaging materials and production supplies
- Implement inventory tracking systems and maintain accurate records
Team Leadership
- Lead production team of 3-5 employees across multiple shifts
- Hire, train, and develop production staff
- Create and maintain production SOPs and training materials
- Manage scheduling to align workforce with production demands
- Foster safety-first culture and maintain OSHA compliance
- Conduct performance reviews and manage disciplinary actions
Continuous Improvement
- Analyze production metrics and identify efficiency opportunities
- Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste
- Lead cost reduction initiatives in packaging and materials
- Develop KPIs and reporting for production performance
- Coordinate with Director of Finance on cost analysis and budgeting
What We're Looking For
Required Experience:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years production management experience in food manufacturing (required)
- Proven experience managing 10+ production employees
- Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality systems (HACCP & SQF)
- Experience with inventory management and supply chain optimization (Quickbooks & Fishbowl)
- Proficiency in production planning and scheduling software
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in honey, syrup, or viscous liquid processing
- Knowledge of bottling/packaging line operations
- Lean Six Sigma certification
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Forklift certification
Essential Skills:
- Production expertise: Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and efficiency
- Supply chain acumen: Ability to forecast, plan, and optimize inventory
- Leadership: Proven ability to build and motivate production teams
- Problem-solving: Quick resolution of production issues and bottlenecks
- Data-driven: Use metrics and analysis to drive decisions
- Quality focus: Commitment to food safety and product excellence
- Communication: Interface effectively with customers, suppliers, and leadership
Key Performance Metrics
You'll be measured on:
- Production output and efficiency (cases per labor hour)
- Inventory turns and carrying costs
- Order fulfillment rate and on-time delivery
- Product quality metrics and customer complaints
- Safety incidents and compliance
- Cost per unit produced
- Waste reduction and yield improvement
Work Environment
- Location: Production facility in Sanderson, FL
- Required to be on-site full-time, no relocation assistance available
- Schedule: Monday-Friday with occasional weekends during peak seasons
- Physical requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift 50+ lbs
- Environment: Food production facility with varying temperatures
Critical Requirements
- Must understand viscous liquid handling and processing
- Experience with manual and automated bottle filling equipment (preferably honey/syrup)
- Deep understanding of HACCP & SQF procedures and audits
- Knowledge of FDA food labeling requirements
- Understanding of shelf-life and product stability
- Experience managing seasonal production variations
Why Join Our Team?
- Lead production for authentic All-American honey operation
- Modern facility with growth investment planned
- Direct reporting to senior leadership
- Implement your vision for operational excellence
- Stable, growing company with expansion opportunities
To Apply
Send resume and cover letter including:
- Specific food manufacturing experience
- Examples of production improvements you've implemented
- Your experience with supply chain optimization
- Salary requirements
- Available start date
Must be able to work on-site in Sanderson, FL (approximately 45 minutes west of Jacksonville)
From our bees to your career: Where nature's sweetness meets professional excellence.
World Honey Market is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity and supporting American agriculture.
Direct Hiring Only - No Third-Party Recruiters - World Honey Market does not work with external recruiters, staffing agencies, or third-party hiring firms for any positions.
#Agriculture #Growth #Florida #Beekeeping #ProductionManager #Manufacturing #SupplyChain #FoodProduction #Honey
