Senior Manufacturing Manager – Food & Beverage – Kansas City, MO

Are you an experienced leader in the Food & Beverage Manufacturing industry? We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Manager to oversee production, drive operational efficiency, and lead a high-performing team in Kansas City, MO. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing organization by optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring quality control, and improving supply chain efficiency. If you have a passion for food production and expertise in factory management, this role is for you!

Lead a High-Performance Food & Beverage Manufacturing Operation

A leading Food & Beverage Manufacturing company in Kansas City, MO, is looking for a Senior Manufacturing Manager to take charge of its production facility. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food manufacturing, plant operations, and quality assurance. This role requires a strategic thinker who can enhance production efficiency, maintain compliance with food safety regulations, and implement best practices for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Manufacturing Manager – Food & Beverage

Manufacturing Operations Leadership

Oversee all aspects of food production, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Develop and implement strategies to optimize plant efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity.
Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements to maintain the highest quality standards.

Process Improvement & Cost Optimization

Identify opportunities for cost savings, waste reduction, and process efficiency to improve profitability.
Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance plant performance.
Work closely with supply chain and procurement teams to streamline raw material sourcing, inventory management, and logistics.

Quality Assurance & Food Safety Compliance

Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP protocols, and industry food safety regulations.
Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain high product quality and safety standards.
Conduct regular internal audits and inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory and corporate standards.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

Lead, train, and mentor manufacturing teams, including supervisors, machine operators, and technicians.
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Develop workforce scheduling, staffing, and performance management strategies to maximize production efficiency.

Production Planning & KPI Management

Set and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as production efficiency, downtime, yield, and labor productivity.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align manufacturing goals with company objectives.
Drive data-driven decision-making to improve production performance and operational excellence.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

Ensure a safe working environment by enforcing workplace safety regulations and conducting regular training.
Implement safety protocols and corrective actions to minimize workplace hazards and accidents.
Promote sustainability initiatives to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Senior Manufacturing Manager – Food & Beverage, we are looking for a results-driven leader with a deep understanding of food production, operations management, and process optimization. This role demands a strategic thinker who can drive efficiency, improve productivity, and lead high-performing teams while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Below are the key attributes and qualifications the ideal candidate should possess:

Proven Experience in Food & Beverage Manufacturing

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in food or beverage manufacturing, plant operations, and factory management. Your ability to oversee large-scale production facilities, manage high-speed manufacturing lines, and optimize operational processes will be critical to success in this role.

Industry Expertise: A strong background in food or beverage production, with experience in managing large-scale manufacturing facilities.
Regulatory Knowledge: A thorough understanding of food safety regulations and compliance, including HACCP, SQF, USDA, FDA, and GMPs.
Production Management: Proven expertise in managing high-speed production lines, automated machinery, and complex packaging operations.

Leadership & Team Management Skills

A strong leader is essential for this position—someone who can develop and inspire manufacturing teams while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ability to communicate effectively across departments and motivate employees to perform at their best is a must.

Team Development: Skilled in leading, coaching, and mentoring manufacturing teams to achieve peak performance.
Continuous Improvement Culture: Ability to build an environment that promotes efficiency, accountability, and ongoing process improvement initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work closely with engineering, quality assurance, R&D, supply chain, and executive leadership teams.

Operational & Financial Acumen

Managing a manufacturing facility involves overseeing budgets, controlling costs, and ensuring that production runs efficiently. The Senior Manufacturing Manager will need strong financial and operational expertise to meet performance targets.

Budget & Cost Control: Experience in managing operational budgets, cost reduction initiatives, and financial forecasting to improve plant profitability.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Ability to analyze production metrics, KPIs, and performance reports to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
ERP & Manufacturing Systems: Familiarity with ERP software, production scheduling tools, and supply chain coordination to ensure seamless production processes.

Strategic Thinker with a Vision for Growth

This role requires a visionary leader who can align manufacturing operations with the company’s long-term business goals. You should have the ability to implement scalable manufacturing processes, embrace automation, and introduce process enhancements that drive growth.

Scalability & Business Growth: Ability to design and execute manufacturing strategies that support business expansion and increased production capacity.
Innovation & Technology Integration: Passion for automation, robotics, and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to enhance production efficiency.
Continuous Improvement Mindset: Strong focus on process enhancements, waste reduction, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

FAQs About the Role – Senior Manufacturing Manager – Food & Beverage

1. What are the key responsibilities of this role?

As a Senior Manufacturing Manager for a Food & Beverage Manufacturing facility in Kansas City, MO, your primary responsibilities will revolve around optimizing production processes, ensuring high operational efficiency, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. Your key responsibilities will include:

Production Oversight – Managing daily plant operations, ensuring smooth production processes, and meeting manufacturing targets.
Process Optimization – Identifying areas for improvement, implementing Lean Manufacturing techniques, and increasing productivity.
Cost Control & Budgeting – Managing operational budgets, reducing waste, and implementing cost-saving initiatives to maximize profitability.
Quality Assurance & Compliance – Ensuring all production meets food safety standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Safe Quality Food (SQF) protocols.
Team Leadership & Training – Leading and mentoring manufacturing teams, ensuring staff is trained on best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

2. What qualifications and experience are required?

To be considered for this role, candidates should possess a strong background in food manufacturing, plant operations, and leadership. The ideal qualifications and experience include:

Education – A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Management, Industrial Management, or a related field is preferred. A Master’s degree is a plus.
Industry Experience – A minimum of 5 years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing, with a focus on production management, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
Process Improvement Knowledge – Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Continuous Improvement initiatives is highly desirable.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The Senior Manufacturing Manager will play a key role in leading teams, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring high-quality production output. The most essential leadership qualities for success in this role include:

Strong Communication Skills – Ability to effectively communicate with frontline employees, senior management, and cross-functional teams.
Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Quick thinking and strong analytical skills to troubleshoot production issues and improve efficiency.
People Management & Motivation – The ability to inspire, coach, and lead teams toward operational excellence. Experience in conflict resolution and team building is a plus.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

Working in a high-paced food and beverage manufacturing environment comes with its challenges. Some of the key challenges you may face as a Senior Manufacturing Manager include:

Production Efficiency & Cost Control – Balancing production targets with budget constraints while improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Supply Chain Disruptions – Managing inventory, raw material shortages, and logistics challenges to ensure consistent production flow.
Maintaining Quality Standards – Ensuring all products meet strict food safety and quality assurance protocols while improving operational efficiency.

5. What impact will the Senior Manufacturing Manager have on the company?

The Senior Manufacturing Manager is a high-impact role that directly influences the company’s operational success, efficiency, and profitability. Your contributions will include:

Increasing Production Efficiency – Implementing process optimizations and lean manufacturing techniques to enhance productivity and reduce downtime.
Reducing Waste & Costs – Driving cost-reduction initiatives, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring efficient raw material usage.
Enhancing Product Quality – Strengthening food safety protocols, ensuring strict adherence to quality assurance standards, and reducing product defects.

What Compensation & Benefits Can You Expect?

As a Senior Manufacturing Manager – Food & Beverage, you can expect a competitive compensation package based on your experience and expertise.

1. Base Salary

The annual salary for this role typically ranges between $90,000 – $130,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

2. Performance Bonuses

Additional performance-based incentives may be offered based on production efficiency, cost savings, and process improvements.

3. Benefits & Perks

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Relocation assistance (if applicable)
Professional development & training programs

4. Career Growth Opportunities

Potential for advancement into Plant Manager, Director of Operations, or VP of Manufacturing roles within the company.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced and results-driven leader with a strong background in the Food & Beverage industry, we encourage you to apply for the Senior Manufacturing Manager – Food & Beverage role in Kansas City, MO. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a dynamic organization, overseeing manufacturing operations, optimizing production efficiency, and leading a team to ensure quality and safety standards are consistently met.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your experience in managing food and beverage manufacturing processes, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing strategies that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. We are looking for a leader with expertise in plant operations, team management, and cost optimization, along with a proven ability to meet production goals in a fast-paced environment.

This role offers a rewarding career path, where you will play a key part in shaping the future of manufacturing operations in the Food & Beverage sector. Apply today to join a team committed to delivering high-quality products and operational excellence.

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Manufacturing Leadership Careers Page.

Job Category: Food & Beverage

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Kansas City

Senior Manufacturing Manager – Food & Beverage – Kansas City, MO