PRODUCTION MANAGER - CENTRAL KITCHEN

About Us: Uwajimaya, a family-owned business, and a cornerstone of Asian grocery retailing since 1928, is seeking dedicated individuals to join our dynamic team. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences, Uwajimaya has grown to become the premier destination for Asian food culture in the Pacific Northwest.

Who We're Looking For: We are seeking individuals who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, driven to excel in their roles, and motivated to contribute to our vibrant team. Whether you're a seasoned professional or eager to start your career, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds who share our enthusiasm for food, customer service, and Asian culture.

To thrive at Uwajimaya, you should embody our core competencies:

• Functional/Technical Skills: You possess the necessary functional and technical knowledge to perform your job at a high level.

• Customer Focus: You are dedicated to meeting customer expectations and requirements, using feedback for improvements, and building effective relationships based on trust and respect.

• Action Oriented: You enjoy working hard, are full of energy for challenging tasks, and seize opportunities with minimal planning.

• Peer Relationships: You can find common ground with peers, solve problems collaboratively, and are seen as a cooperative team player who encourages collaboration.

• Self-Development: You are committed to continuous self-improvement, adapt to different situations, and work to develop your strengths while addressing weaknesses.

We offer:

• A flexible, friendly, and diverse work environment

• Competitive starting wages

• Employee discounts on food and gift items

• Paid holidays from day one

• Excellent health benefits

• Retirement plan

• Paid time off

• Long term disability

• Life insurance

• Opportunities for growth and advancement

• Supplemental insurance options available

Position Summary:

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations on the production floor in a food manufacturing facility. This role ensures production goals are met while maintaining the highest standards of safety, food quality, and sanitation. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, culinary expertise, especially in Japanese and other Asian cuisines. They should be familiar and comfortable with CPG food processing or manufacturing environments.

Position’s Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise, lead, and coordinate activities of production employees during assigned shifts.

• Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining product quality and food safety.

• Monitor and enforce GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP, and sanitation standards.

• Follow allergen procedures and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

• Collaborate with QA, Maintenance, and other departments to resolve operational issues.

• Conduct shift meetings, assign tasks, and communicate production targets.

• Interview, select, and train new production employees to build and sustain a high performing, engaged team.

• Monitor employee performance and provide training, coaching, and feedback as needed including corrective actions and conflict resolutions.

• Maintain accurate records of production output, downtime, yields, and labor.

• Investigate and report any equipment failures or production delays.

• Promote a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with OSHA and company safety protocols.

• Assist in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.

• Communicate and maintain employee safety and security standards.

• Build a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork and mutual respect.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy work environment for all team members.

• Adhere to corporate policies and procedures in the Production Department.

• Ensure that all products meet the quality expectations of the Director of Deli, retail stores and Uwajimaya customers.

• Support the roles of facility leadership, food safety, and purchasing as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Starting Pay: $35.00 per hour., Depending on Experience
Hourly Range: $35.00 – $41.00 per hour

Uwajimaya participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Please review the E-Verify Participation Poster and Right to Work Poster before proceeding with your application

IER Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish) (PDF, 322.73 KB)

E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish) (PDF, 259.92 KB)

Uwajimaya is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Culinary experience, particularly in Japanese and Asian cuisines, preferred.

• 2+ years of supervisory experience in a food manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge of food safety and labeling regulations (GMP, HACCP, FDA, etc.).

• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cold/hot, and noisy environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and production software (e.g., ERP systems).

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, environmental health and safety, and OSHA.

• Understanding of financials and Profit & Loss (P&L) statements.

• Understanding of procurement, recipe costing and inventory management.

• Ability to work well with others, self-motivated, and capable of working independently with little supervision.

• Strategic and big picture team leader with an obsession over the details of execution.