Production Manager

Company Description Phab was created to offer snacks that are both healthy and delicious, eliminating the need for compromise. With a nutritionist-led team and backed by scientists and food enthusiasts, Phab's mission is to make snacking healthier for everyone. All our products are free from trans fats, GMOs, harmful sugars, and unnecessary ingredients. We offer a wide range of protein-powered snacks, including milkshakes, energy bars, granola bars, superfood bombs, and protein powders. Our products are available in major grocery stores and online marketplaces across India. For more information, visit getphab.com or follow us on Instagram @getphab. Role Description You will spearhead the strategic vision and operational execution of our food production facilities. This influential role requires a deep understanding of food safety regulations, production efficiency, and quality assurance, DMS/ D365 data and document updates, as you lead a team committed to crafting exceptional food products that align with our mission and brand identity. You will be accountable for transforming strategy into results - balancing long-term planning and continuous improvement with the hands-on demands of daily operations Key Responsibilities - Develop and implement comprehensive production strategies that optimize operational efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure adherence to food safety standards. - Oversee daily operations across all food production lines, ensuring production schedules are met on time, cost, and quality. - Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production officers and staff to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and safety. - Collaborate closely with R&D, Sales team to ensure alignment on product specifications, process changes, safety protocols, and compliance requirements. - Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) (e.g. yield, throughput, downtime, defect rates, waste, OEE) to drive accountability for production goals, and proactively initiate corrective or preventive actions when deviations occur. - Manage production budgets, capital expenditures, and resource allocation to maximize productivity while minimizing cost. - Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, automation, and best practices to enhance production capabilities and maintain competitive advantage. - Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and reliability programs to minimize downtime and ensure safe, optimal performance. - Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, environmental, health & safety, and regulatory standards (e.g. HACCP, GMP, local / national food laws). - Lead process improvement / optimization initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, etc.) to reduce waste, cycle times, and costs. - Drive new product scale-ups and process transfers, coordinating with R&D and operations to ensure manufacturability and risk mitigation. - Prepare regular reports and forecasts for senior leadership: production performance, cost variances, resource needs, capital projects, risks, etc. - Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and training programs for production staff. - Ensure effective communication and coordination with Procurement, Supply Chain, QA, Maintenance, and other functional teams to ensure smooth end-to-end operation. Required Qualifications & Experience: - Minimum 10 years of experience in food production or related fields, with at least 3 years in a leadership/managerial role. - Deep knowledge of food safety regulations and compliance frameworks (e.g. FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMP, local food authorities). - Demonstrated track record in operational improvements, cost control, process optimization, and meeting production targets. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience handling data, metrics, root cause analyses, and corrective actions. - Excellent communication, influencing, and interpersonal skills: ability to work across levels and functions. - Proven ability to manage budgets, resources, and capital projects. Technical Skills & Relevant Technologies - Proficiency in production / operations / manufacturing management software, ERP/MES / DMS systems. - Experience with inventory management, demand forecasting, material planning tools. - Working knowledge of calibration, maintenance, process control instrumentation.