Sr. Manager, Plant Manager at Kemps

Kemps in Le Mars, IA, a manufacturer of fluid milk, ice cream, cottage cheese, and sour cream, is currently seeking a Sr. Manager, Plant Manager.  In this critical role, you will direct and coordinate overall plant operations and priorities, and through managers, supervisors, and staff, ensure the product is produced efficiently and within cost parameters.    This position reports to the General Manager.

Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients, and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we are passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm owners.  It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities – come join us!

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage plant operations in all areas of responsibility including administration, production, processing, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehousing, shipping, purchasing, safety, and environmental.
• Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to ensure compliance and determine causes of non-conformity with product specifications, customer requirements, FDA/government regulations, etc. Report any non-compliance immediately per established protocol.
• Analyze plant operations to ensure that the facility maintains a leadership position in the industry and that it takes advantage of new processes and technologies that become available.
• Interact with customers to meet their expectations on a variety of goals including operational, customer service, financial, and quality.
• Develop, monitor, and drive plant key performance indicators (KPI’s) related to safety, quality, productivity, and finances. Strive for continuous improvement in KPI results. Promote continuous improvement of culture and activities.
• Understand plant P&L to drive plant performance; participate in the development of annual operating, capital, and expense budgets; provide reliable and accurate information to finance to meet end-of-month closing schedules.
• Manage or oversee all corporate, customer, and government audits to ensure compliance.
• Provide appropriate direction, mentoring, training, and development planning for managers. Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training, and task assignment. Actively work with direct reports to cultivate capabilities and utilize strengths to support career development and succession planning efforts.
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• Working knowledge of union contracts and obligations, and ability to collaborate effectively with bargaining unit employees. Coordinate contract negotiation preparation and partner with DFA support staff and HR for this process.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, food science technology, or related degree with an emphasis on manufacturing operations preferred
• 8 + years experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably dairy, food and beverage manufacturing
• Proven track record of improved results in the areas of quality, safety, service, and cost
• A minimum of 3 years experience in a supervisory role which involves providing feedback and performing annual performance reviews for direct reports
• Intermediate computer proficiency with MS Office Suite and ERP systems

Benefits:

• Health and Welfare benefits begin 1^st of the month after start date
• 401(k) with company contribution – 100% vested at day one of eligibility
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities – we promote from within!
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Work for dairy farm families

An Equal Opportunity Employer