The Production Manager is responsible for all Operating departments within the plant. This role works closely with plant management and plant employees and serve as a liaison with the DFA enterprise-wide functional departments such as Quality Assurance and Compliance, Human Resources, Accounting, Engineering, Purchasing, Research and Development, and Risk Management. Specifically, is responsible for the performance of the Milk Receiving, Production Department, and Warehouse departments. This position is a leadership role and is expected to inspire employees to greater levels of professionalism, quality, productivity, and engagement in the DFA Team.

• Continuously drive the facility's culture toward a higher level of safety. Challenge status quo safety behaviors, engage in Safety initiatives, and ensure safety related training is attended by all employees
• Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training, and task assignment
• Identify and implement developmental plans and training for supervisors and support staff reporting directly and indirectly
• Establish and manage the department's budget to ensure financial goals are met or exceeded
• Ensure the department's activities remain in or exceed the standards and specifications established by Quality Assurance
• Engage and interact with all personnel on a regular basis assisting them with their concerns and questions
• Drive key performance indicators to all levels within the organization and participate in making recommendations for necessary changes to enhance the business objectives
• Initiate and drive continuous improvement activities in department, operations, and other areas of the facility as part of the team to ensure plant sustainability
• Manage employee's performance through establishing expectations, holding people accountable, and developing the understanding of the sense of urgency in addressing operational needs
• Partner with other departments regarding the resolution of ongoing problems, the implementation of new procedures or process, the injection of new products or product lines, and the development of new plan and designs
• Ensure good business communication practices are engaged at all levels to ensure key stakeholders are well informed and have the ability to appropriately respond
• Ensure all process changes, equipment changes, or product changes are understood by all employees in a timely fashion
• Ensure a decisive understanding of budgeting, uptime, problem solving techniques, motivational techniques, long- range planning, and Employee & Labor Relations are understood and implemented during the course of business
• Coordinate with Engineering to review and approve plans for new equipment installation and layout to ensure operational efficiency
• Other duties may be assigned as required that are within the FLSA status of this position
• 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.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 5-7 years of experience managing people and/or related processes in a manufacturing environment
• Computer Skills - Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Communication and presentation to all levels of the organization
• Valid Driver's License
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field or MBA
• 2-4 years of plant, operations or department manager experience
• Food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience
• Quality control and compliance experience
• Computer experience - SAP and other operating systems

An Equal Opportunity Employer