Production Assistant Manager

Newrest is looking for an Assistant Production Manager who will play a key role in supporting daily production operations, leading supervisors and chefs, and ensuring efficient, high-quality food production. The successful candidate will lead teams in a highly automated environment, embrace new technologies, and foster a culture of innovation, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. In this role, you'll work closely with the Production Manager to oversee departmental performance, develop strong teams, and maintain Newrest's high standards for quality and safety. You'll also step in to lead the department when needed while fostering a positive workplace that promotes accountability, teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. 

This role in a start-up operation is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact, drive improvements in efficiency, recruitment, and retention, and help establish a strong foundation for long-term success. You'll also have the opportunity to grow your leadership skills and advance your career with Newrest, an international company with opportunities to learn, develop, and take on new challenges.  

We're looking for a leader who embraces change, develops people, sets clear expectations, and inspires teams to deliver results while maintaining high standards for quality and safety.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Supervisory and Management 

• Supervises and manages the work of all the employees in all areas of the department. 
• Motivate and inspire team members to perform above expectations through proper recognition methods and programs. 
• Ensure that all policies and procedures are followed by Newrest and client's requirements 
• Communicate effectively with all crew members and team members 
• Hold team members accountable for all expectations 

Operational 

• Ensure that all meal orders are filled accurately in a timely manner and with high quality according to the datasheets and clients' requirements 
• Ensure that processes are as efficient as possible 
• Empower team members to identify and resolve operational issues 
• Bring up to management's attention any concerns and recommendations to such concerns 
• Ensure proper communication with the supply department of any stock item needs 
• Foresee needs or problems that may arise and have action plans in place to avoid production disruptions 
• Clearly and confidently communicate with client representatives as needed 
• Fill in as needed to maintain flow of operations 
• Support the daily operation of automated and robotized production lines, ensuring equipment is utilized efficiently and operational standards are maintained. 
• Monitor automation system performance, identify bottlenecks, and coordinate corrective actions to improve efficiency, throughput, and accuracy. 
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, and Technology teams to resolve equipment issues and minimize operational disruptions. 
• Coach and train team members on automated processes, equipment operating procedures, and applicable safety requirements. 

QHSE 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable requirements related to product and service quality, environmental standards, food safety, and health and safety regulations. 
• Support the availability of resources and necessary competencies to maintain and enhance integrated management systems (IMS). 
• Uphold commitments to environmental and social responsibility in alignment with the Be the Change CSR charter. 
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by preventing work-related injuries and illnesses, eliminating hazards, and reducing health and safety risks. 
• Facilitate systems for joint consultation and participation with employees and their representatives as needed. 
• Drive continuous improvement and consistently seek to enhance IMS performance. 
• Effectively communicate the organization's vision, goals, and performance both internally and to relevant external stakeholders. 

Human Resources 

• Interview and determine the individuals to join your department 
• Approve time off requests and other leaves of absences 
• Perform performance reviews for all department team members 
• Approve all timecards and resolve timecard discrepancies 
• Mentor and coach team members and provide corrective actions as required 
• Regular and timely attendance is expected for the position. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

• High School Diploma required 
• Bachelor's degree preferred 
• Minimum 2 years' experience in similar position, preferably in inflight catering or airport hub environment, food production, manufacturing, or another kitchen environment 
• Minimum 2 years' experience in leadership roles overseeing multiple non-exempt employees 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate with non-exempt to upper management levels 
• Ability to effectively handle conflict and de-escalate emotionally charged situations. 
• Good understanding of OSHA, HR, and other employment laws. 
• Good knowledge of investigation procedures and root cause analysis. 
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and operational processes 
• Good knowledge of HACCP & food safety standards 
• Resilient self-starter, who can act independently and learn quickly within a rapidly evolving environment. 
• Ability in showing self-initiative and follow-through 
• Detail-oriented and ability to see big picture 
• Good ability with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. 
• Excellent organizational and motivational skills. 
• Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability. 
• Knowledge of automated production systems, robotics, and technology-driven operational processes. 
• Ability to identify operational inefficiencies, troubleshoot automation-related issues, and collaborate with technical teams to improve performance. 

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities. 

This position requires constant standing and walking, with frequent bending, gripping, and the ability to push, pull, and lift/carry items weighing 25–50 lbs. Occasional activities include sitting, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs or ladders, and reaching overhead. Work is primarily performed indoors, with occasional outdoor exposure. The role may involve occasional exposure to loud noise, fumes, dust, chemicals, and high temperatures, and frequent exposure to cold or freezing temperatures.