Production Manager Jobs in Washington

COMPANY INTRODUCTION

Manzana Products Co. has been in business for over 100 years and is a leading producer of organic apple juice, apple sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Manzana is owned by Agrial, a prominent French co-op of 12,000 farmer members and a force in agriculture and food production.

Manzana’s mission is to create quality apple products by placing the highest value on people, suppliers, customers, and continuous improvement in manufacturing capabilities, with social and environmental responsibility at the heart of our actions.

We are in the process of relocating our manufacturing facility from Sebastopol, CA to Sunnyside, WA. While the facility is essential, we believe that building a strong, dedicated team is the key to success. At Manzana, we work each day to foster a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, continuous improvement, and an inclusive, respectful environment where all team members’ contributions are valued, and feedback is encouraged.

At Manzana, all employees are required to actively participate in our comprehensive Food Safety Program to ensure the consistent production of the highest quality and safest food products. This commitment is essential to maintaining our standards and protecting our customers.

Join us as we grow and make a difference together.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on Production Manager of Liquid Operations (PMLO) to lead the startup and operations of a new food manufacturing facility in Sunnyside, WA. The PMLO will report to the site Production Manager and partner with the Production Manager of Sauce Operations (PMSO).

This is a key leadership role responsible for bringing into operation and then running end-to-end production of apple juice and apple cider vinegar, including both liquid processing (pressing, fermentation, tank farm systems) and bottling/packaging operations.

The PMLO will play a central role in equipment installation through commissioning, hiring and training the liquid operations team, and driving a stable, employee focused, efficient, and safe production environment.

This is a highly operational, floor-based leadership role in a startup plant environment, with a well-established company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Startup & Commissioning

• Lead installation, commissioning, and startup of:
• Tank farm, fermentation systems, piping, and presses
• Bottling and packaging lines (glass and PET formats)
• Ensure readiness for production ramp-up and support site/process certification
• Support startup qualification and commissioning documentation in autonomy
• Coordinate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and OEM partners

Operations Leadership

• Full responsibility for daily operations of:
• Juice pressing and extraction
• Alcoholic and acetic fermentation (apple cider vinegar production)
• Tank farm operations and product transfers
• Bottling and packaging operations (glass and PET formats)
• Ensure safe, stable, and efficient production performance

Team Building & Development

• Hire, train, and lead the liquid operations team from the ground up, including:
• Operators (liquid + packaging, multi-shift)
• Line supervisors
• Maintenance support (as applicable)
• Participate in hiring with Human Resources and Production leadership
• Develop and deliver on the job training programs
• Lead the team to create training materials for new equipment
• Partner with Human Resources on first day onboarding for team members
• Foster a strong safety and performance culture on the floor

Food Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with HACCP, SQF/BRC, FDA requirements
• Work closely with Quality Control to maintain food safety standards
• Support validation activities with Maintenance and Engineering teams

Performance Management

• Drive operational performance using Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Morale, Environment (SQCDME) principles:

People Management

At Manzana, Supervisors, Managers and Leadership play a critical role in shaping and sustaining a workplace culture that reflects our core values and commitment to excellence.

We work each day to create a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, and continuous improvement, in a respectful environment where all team members’ contributions are valued and feedback is welcomed. Our leaders are expected to model and reinforce our four key values: Dynamic, Responsible, Efficient, and Respectful.

Managers are responsible for leading, developing, and supporting teams to achieve both individual and organizational success. This includes fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel engaged, empowered, and accountable.

Key expectations for people management include:

• Actively model Manzana’s values and set clear expectations for behavior and performance. Promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain open, transparent, and timely communication. Encourage feedback and ensure team members feel heard and valued.
• Set clear goals and expectations, monitor performance, and address issues promptly and fairly. Recognize achievements and reinforce positive contributions.
• Build strong, trusting relationships within the team. Foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages participation.
• Reinforce and uphold standards related to food safety, employee health and safety, and company policies. Ensure team adherence through training, monitoring, and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in operations, engineering, or business administration is preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a manager level role.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in food & beverage or liquid processing operations is required.
• Strong hands-on production leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Experience in plant startup or equipment commissioning is strongly preferred.
• Background in juice, cider, vinegar, or fermentation processes is strongly desired, but not required.
• Experience in bottling/packaging operations (glass and/or PET).
• Knowledge of organic chemistry terminology and the acetic fermentation process is strongly desired, but not required.
• Working knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, SQF, BRC, FDA).

Skills:

• Highly hands-on leader who thrives on the production floor
• Strong builder mindset (teams, processes, structure)
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and startup conditions
• Strong communicator and operator leader
• Based in Washington State or willing to relocate
• Comfortable and competent in organic chemistry terminology
• Familiar with acetic fermentation process
• Understands primary fermentation science

Working Conditions

Exposure to manufacturing environment.

Additionally, Manzana offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Healthcare benefits:
• Medical, dental and vision with 100% of the monthly premiums for the Employee paid by Manzana.
• Manzana offers a generous contribution towards the monthly healthcare premiums for eligible dependents.
• Team Members are eligible to enroll the first of the month after 30 days of employment.
• Life AD&D Insurance (when enrolled in medical insurance)
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 6% of the employee’s contribution.
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays: 9 per year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)