Production Manager

About the Job

Open for locals and expats. Please note that this position is physically based in Baghdad. Please apply only if you are willing to relocate to Baghdad. Job Summary We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Production Manager to lead and manage the production operations of a potato and snacks manufacturing facility in Baghdad. The successful candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in potato processing, potato chips/snacks manufacturing, and food production environments , with a strong understanding of industrial production processes, machinery, quality standards, food safety, production planning, and operational efficiency. The Production Manager will be responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while maintaining consistent product quality and achieving production targets. Key Responsibilities Plan, organize, and oversee all daily production activities across the potato/chips manufacturing facility. Ensure production targets are achieved in terms of volume, quality, efficiency, and cost . Manage the complete production process, including raw potato receiving, sorting, washing, peeling, cutting, blanching, frying, seasoning, cooling, and packaging, as applicable. Monitor production lines and identify opportunities to improve productivity, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Develop and implement production schedules based on demand, inventory, and operational capacity. Ensure optimum utilization of manpower, machinery, raw materials, and other production resources. Monitor raw material consumption and minimize product losses, waste, and production variances. Provide technical and operational expertise in potato processing and snack food manufacturing . Ensure appropriate handling and processing of potatoes to achieve consistent product quality. Monitor key production parameters such as moisture, frying temperature, oil quality, product yield, color, texture, seasoning, and weight. Work closely with Quality Assurance to maintain consistent product specifications. Support the development, testing, and improvement of potato chips and other snack products. Troubleshoot production issues related to raw materials, processing conditions, equipment, and finished products. Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and quality requirements throughout the production process. Ensure production activities comply with applicable HACCP, GMP, and food safety procedures . Coordinate with QA/QC teams to investigate quality issues, customer complaints, and production deviations. Establish and monitor production quality checkpoints and corrective actions. Promote a strong food safety and hygiene culture across the production team. Coordinate closely with the Maintenance Department to ensure high equipment availability and minimum downtime. Monitor machinery performance and identify recurring technical problems. Support preventive and corrective maintenance planning. Ensure production equipment is operated correctly and safely. Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, optimization, and production-line improvement projects. Lead, supervise, and develop production supervisors, operators, technicians, and production workers. Establish clear performance expectations and production KPIs. Prepare manpower requirements and shift plans. Train employees on production procedures, food safety, hygiene, and safe equipment operation. Promote teamwork, accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement within the production department. Monitor production costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality. Improve production yield and reduce raw material and packaging losses. Implement Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement initiatives where appropriate. Analyze production KPIs and prepare regular performance reports for management. Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective and preventive actions. Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, w