Food Production Manager

Lowell, MA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $52,800.00 - $79,500.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Retirement Plan

Professional development opportunities

performance bonuses

Job Description

Pressed Cafe is a premium quick-casual restaurant company known for its commitment to exceptional food and drink, emphasizing quality ingredients and a passion for hospitality. With a strong regional presence and ambitious expansion plans, Pressed Cafe serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring fresh, local ingredients. The brand prides itself on great coffee and fast, friendly service, appealing to customers who seek a superior dining experience in a casual setting. Founded with a mission centered on Great People, Great Food, Great Coffee, the company is poised for significant growth, supported by a dedicated team and a foundation built on hospitality and culture.

The role of Commissary Production Manager at Pressed Cafe is critical in maintaining and scaling the high standards of food production that define the company. This leadership position is responsible for overseeing all commissary and food manufacturing operations across a rapidly expanding multi-unit restaurant group. The manager will ensure high-volume production runs smoothly, plant operations are efficient, and that all food safety and quality assurance standards are rigorously met. Reporting directly to the Director of Commissary, this role is vital for supporting new store openings, product innovation, and continuous operational improvements. The ideal candidate will be a results-driven leader with extensive experience in food service and manufacturing, capable of managing complex processes in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. This position offers an opportunity to significantly impact the company’s production capabilities and overall success by driving operational excellence and fostering a collaborative, accountable culture among cross-functional teams.

Job Requirements

7-15+ years of experience in food service commissary or food manufacturing environments
Proven experience managing high-volume production and scaling operations
Strong leadership skills
Knowledge of food safety quality assurance and regulatory compliance standards
Experience in labor and cost management
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication abilities
Ability to lead cross-functional teams
Hands-on leadership approach
Passion for continuous improvement and great food

Job Qualifications

7-15+ years of experience in food service commissary or food manufacturing environments
Proven experience managing high-volume production and scaling operations
Strong leadership experience with the ability to build develop and lead teams in a fast-paced environment
Deep knowledge of food safety quality assurance and regulatory compliance (HACCP GMP PCQI)
Experience managing labor food costs and driving operational efficiency
Strong organizational analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams
Bilingual (preferred but not required)
A hands-on leadership style with a passion for great food and continuous improvement

Job Duties

Oversee all commissary production including mass production food processing and daily operational needs
Manage plant operations equipment and production workflows to ensure efficiency consistency and scalability
Lead high-volume food manufacturing operations in compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
Own food safety and quality assurance programs including HACCP and PCQI standards
Maintain strict sanitation safety and regulatory compliance across the facility
Conduct regular audits identify gaps and implement corrective actions to ensure product consistency and quality
Drive financial performance by managing labor controlling food costs and improving production efficiency
Analyze variances and implement cost-saving strategies to improve margins and reduce waste
Partner with leadership on recipe development menu engineering and new product rollouts
Scale recipes for mass production while maintaining Pressed Cafe’s quality and brand standards
Lead train and develop cross-functional teams across production culinary and quality assurance
Build a strong culture of accountability food safety and operational excellence
Develop and refine SOPs to support consistency scalability and growth
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production and commissary operations
Report on key performance metrics and operational updates to the Director of Commissary