Andrew Suarez
@andrewsuarez
Manufacturing manager driving safety, quality, and productivity improvements across high-volume food production.
What I'm looking for
I am a dedicated manufacturing leader with extensive experience overseeing production, safety, and quality in food manufacturing environments. I specialize in optimizing resource utilization, production scheduling, and regulatory compliance to deliver measurable performance gains.
Throughout my career I have led large teams—up to 350+ employees across salaried and hourly roles—and implemented process improvements that increased productivity and reduced costs. I have hands-on experience with equipment integration, new product launches, and facility-level operational restructuring.
I champion safety and quality programs, conducting FDA and state audits and maintaining ISO and SQF standards. My initiatives have driven substantial outcomes, including a 30% productivity increase and major reductions in workplace accidents.
I hold certifications in Applied Baking Technology, SQF Advanced Practitioner, HACCP, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and OSHA 30, and I continually focus on coaching leadership, building teams, and sustaining operational excellence.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Production Manager
Michigan Bread
Jan 2023 - Nov 2025 (2 years 10 months)
Spearheaded production department initiatives that increased productivity by 30% and led integration of three new pieces of equipment while co-chairing the company safety team to improve workplace safety.
Plant Manager
Hartybake
Jan 2022 - Dec 2022 (11 months)
Oversaw production, maintenance, and safety for the plant, led new product launches and packing redesigns, and drove headcount reduction through equipment automation to improve labor efficiency.
Operations Manager
Artisan Kitchens
Jan 2021 - Dec 2022 (1 year 11 months)
Directed production across shifts, increased daily output by 10,000 lbs through scheduling and process changes, redesigned packing to raise oven throughput, and led War on Waste to reduce material waste.
Production Manager
AstenJohnson
Jan 2019 - Dec 2021 (2 years 11 months)
Prioritized safety and quality while leading production teams, conducted regular audits for 5S and ISO 9001 compliance, and implemented process improvements that boosted shift productivity.
Assistant Plant Manager
Highland Baking Company
Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)
Assisted in directing production floor operations, conducted FDA and state quality audits, led safety initiatives that reduced accidents over 50%, and managed scheduling to meet customer demands.
Safety Manager
Highland Baking Company
Jan 2014 - Dec 2016 (2 years 11 months)
Managed after-hours facility safety programs, led OSHA-required training and safety incentives, and implemented policies that reduced workplace accidents by more than 50% within one year.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Michigan (Leading People and Teams Specialization)
Specialization, Leadership / People Management
2021 - 2021
Completed the Leading People and Teams specialization through the University of Michigan in 2021.
Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts, Criminal Justice
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice completed at Grand Canyon University in 2015.
Ferris State University
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Generalist) from Ferris State University.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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