Production Manager

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the biggest tea business in the world, with world class purpose driven brands such as Lipton, PG Tips and Pukka. As Lipton Teas and Infusions we are united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants.

In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the LIPTON Teas and Infusions (formally ekaterra) business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, Lipton T&I is even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, LIPTON Teas and Infusions is a profitable and growing business whose brands reach hundreds of millions of consumers. It has a presence in over 100 countries.

At LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we work alongside people who put consumer love at the heart of every decision. Diverse minds who celebrate new ideas, share our values and the commitment we have for the wellbeing of all. In return, we create an environment that gives our people space and freedom, where they can grow as leaders. A connected community where ideas can thrive. Where you explore new challenges. Learning all you need to master your field, and even more about yourself.

Be part of this amazing blend. Join our collective and help us grow a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

Job Title: Production Manager

Job Status: Full-time, permanent

Work location : Suffolk, VA (ONSITE)

Travel: Limited

Your role

This position is the principal leader for operations at the plant. This individual is responsible for the management of plant operations to ensure that all key plant objectives are met; this includes, but it is not limited to, safety (human & food), quality, cost, customer service and employee engagement. This position will be responsible for oversight of day-to-day activities within all departments. This person must possess the ability to be a strategic business partner with internal and external customers, suppliers, and peers throughout the organization. Excellent interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to drive continuous improvement activities utilizing individuals from various levels and functions within the organization, as well as innovative tools and approaches. Key competencies include the ability to inspire trust, create direction, drive organizational alignment, build capability, follow-up on a wide variety of priorities and develop teams, execute with excellence, and produce extraordinary results.

Your key responsibilities:

• With a team of three supervisors, manage 24-hour production operation and set the tone and expectation of safety (human & food) and performance for the facility.
• Monitor key performance indicators to assess labor & variance to budget, yield dollars to budget, total delivered cost, and controllable expenses and ensure that key objectives are met, such as cost, quality, on-time delivery, customer service, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans that support the company's strategic roadmap and ensure the vitality of the plant operation
• Ensure that the facilities and equipment are properly maintained that there is a computerized maintenance management system in place to support the appropriate maintenance and preservation of assets.
• Create alignment and accountability; establish clear goals that align the plant's efforts with the organization's vision; ensure synergies between people, processes, and strategies to drive flawless execution of business objectives.
• Enhance organizational talent; build a competitively superior organization by attracting, developing, and retaining talent to ensure that people with the right skills and motivations are in the right place at the right time to meet business needs.
• Works with various corporate business partners to drive plant and company initiatives, facilitate exemplary employee performance and support company-wide measurables.
• Develop Supervisor to be stewards of the business with the ability to engage the workforce
• Develop and drive cultural training through people, processes and equipment/technology

Skills and experience:

• 5+ years of experience as a hands-on, Production Manager with P&L responsibility is required
• 15 years of experience in supply chain management, food manufacturing and food quality in roles of increasing responsibility within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of HAACP Food Safety Program is required.
• Experience demonstrating leadership of Human & Food Safety systems is required.
• Excellent problem solving, and reasoning skills required.
• Knowledge of and implementation of SQF in a food manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of organizational effectiveness and operations management and a record of accomplishment of achieving results against a comprehensive set of KPIs.
• Knowledge of CI with experience in implementing and ensuring sustainability
• Ability to analyze downtime and financial variance trends, identifying actions to deliver expected performance.
• Working knowledge of budgets, forecasting and metrics.
• Ability to effectively present information to all levels of the company; plant floor to executive leadership.
• Ability to drive change across all shifts, will using standard work, action plans and change Management

Who we are looking for:

• Passionate: for tea and for health & wellness and purpose driven brands
• Self-Starting: taking initiative where they find opportunity
• Strong Communicator & Collaborator: being able to work effectively & fluidly across global & local teams
• Entrepreneurial: embracing a founders mindset, tackling ambiguity with critical thinking, creativity, and scrappiness.

A Great Place to Grow

Here at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we grow a world of wellbeing to generate value for all.

• Grow your LEADERSHIP – Thought leader or people leader, we want to help you to truly realise your potential. With a strong internal nurturing network and a focus on your development, you can grow your leadership with us. When you grow, the world around you will grow.
• Grow your VALUE - To foster your learning, we offer big, fulfilling roles within an empowering and entrepreneurial climate. You will have the space to take ownership and to make your mark – and you will be rewarded for the value that you create.
• Grow your IMPACT – We are unique in our industry - from our tea estates to our factories, labs and offices, we innovate sustainably and drive value for all. We grow a world of wellbeing, from seed to sip. You can truly leave your mark on our company and on the planet -through the meaningful work that you do.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental + disability and life Insurance
• 401(k) with 5% company matching + an extra 4% after your first year
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Accounts
• Generous time off including paid vacation, company holidays, and floating holidays
• Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary
• Learning and development reimbursement

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.