Production Manager

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

We are seeking a hands-on Production Manager who thrives in fast-paced environments where people, safety, and quality come first. This role is ideal for someone who knows how to build strong teams, set clear expectations, and keep operations running smoothly. If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a direct impact every day—on your team, on the floor, and across the business—we’d like to hear from you. This role is based fully onsite at our Harbor Beach facility and requires consistent engagement across all shifts, including availability for urgent support as needed.

What you’ll do:

• Lead a production team, setting clear expectations and creating a culture of accountability, development, and collaboration
• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing activities, ensuring products meet quality standards and operations follow safety protocols
• Promote a strong safety culture by monitoring practices, conducting audits, and addressing unsafe conditions
• Use production data to drive continuous improvement in areas like yield, performance, and process efficiency
• Maintain a deep understanding of plant processes, procedures, and equipment to support problem-solving and operational improvements
• Own the communication strategy for your team — from explaining the “why” behind decisions to providing regular performance updates
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on operational planning, issue resolution, and compliance initiatives

What you’ll bring:

• Proven experience managing production teams, preferably in food or chemical manufacturing environments
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities with a passion for developing others and improving team performance
• A mindset geared toward continuous improvement and problem solving, using metrics and feedback to guide decisions
• A proactive, safety-first approach and the ability to model best practices for your team
• Working knowledge of operational systems and tools (training provided as needed), along with comfort using data and reports
• Excellent communication skills written and verbal, both for day-to-day direction and broader team motivation
• Effectively present data and ideas visually by leveraging the full Microsoft Office Suite (including advanced functions in Excel and PowerPoint) and specialized software like JDE and AMMS

What you’ll get:

• A hands-on leadership role where your decisions and guidance make a real impact
• A team-oriented environment with opportunities to build strong relationships across functions
• Opportunities to lead process improvements and contribute to long-term operational strategies
• A workplace that values clear communication, development, and shared success
• Access to tools, training, and support that empower you to lead confidently and grow professionally
• Involvement in broader business functions including safety, compliance, quality, and labor relations
• Stability and opportunity within a company that values leadership rooted in action and integrity

About Sensient:

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Flavors: 

Sensient Flavors offers innovative, global taste solutions and specialized flavor delivery systems that help bring life to your food and beverage products. Our leading-edge technologies reflect our core philosophies to be dynamic and innovative and to add value to your applications. 

SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship. 

RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at Harbor Beach, MI and must reside in area or be willing to commute. 

THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.