Production Manager at Dairy Farmers of America

General Purpose

Manage production activities to ensure efficient and profitable operations. Provide work direction and supervision to production supervisors and employees within the guidelines of standard work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Oversee the daily management of various departments ensuring that all company, regulatory, safety, and quality requirements and initiatives are understood and followed by both supervision and production employees. Assist in the formulation of plant objectives, policies and plans. Resolve issues in a timely manner. Direct personnel activities, such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments using independent judgment within the framework of established human resources policies and practices.

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Manage daily operational activities of supervisors and production staff to ensure customer orders are received, scheduled, and produced at the lowest possible cost to meet the customer’s requirements while maintaining established safety and quality standards
• Analyze operations and key metrics to ensure that the facility maintains high quality and safety standards; proactively look for ways to increase operational efficiency and contain costs
• Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained for all operational activities
• Report deficiencies to plant leadership; identify and resolve operational issues
• Assist in development and implementation of safety programs
• Ensure that all regulations and company policies are understood and followed by supervisors and production employees; advise them of correct interpretation when necessary
• Conduct meetings with department management to communicate essential policies, plans, or problems affecting operations, employee relations, and general company information
• Maintain preparation for and participate in plant inspections by authorized agencies utilizing appropriate staff
• Monitor inventory levels for supplies and equipment and initiate or approve purchases as appropriate
• Prepare reports and records for management review
• Manage assigned employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management. Understand and effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances.
• Actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods. Maintain and promote positive employee relations in work environment
• 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
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred
• 5 to 8 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing
• Supervisory or management experience
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Solid knowledge of manufacturing process flow and importance to process
• Solid knowledge of continuous improvement models
• Skill in leadership and coaching; knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Skill in critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to think and use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information
• Able to demonstrate strong initiative and follow through on day-to-day responsibilities
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to communicate with various levels of personnel to ensure customers’ needs and requirements are met
• Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer