Manager, Plant Operations

Dairy Farmers of America•Franklin, MA

About The Position

The Manager, Plant Operations oversees operating departments and staff in plant areas such as milk receiving, warehouse/cooler, processing, filling, packaging, and retort. The role provides work direction and supervision to supervisors and employees in accordance with standard work rules, applicable union contract provisions, and employment policies. It works closely with plant management and serves as a liaison with corporate functional departments, including quality assurance, human resources, accounting, engineering, purchasing, research and development, and risk management. The manager directs personnel activities such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments, exercising independent judgment within established human resources policies and practices. The manager ensures plant orders are safely and cost-effectively received, scheduled, produced, and shipped to meet customer requirements and service-level agreements while maintaining safety and quality standards. The position monitors plant operations, resolves issues, improves work methods, maintains operating procedures, supports safety programs, and ensures employees understand and follow applicable regulations and company policies. It also oversees staffing and employee relations, prepares management reports, monitors inventory, and supports plant inspections by authorized agencies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
5 to 8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing.
Supervisory or management experience.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and its importance to the process.
Experience with process automation.
Strong knowledge of continuous improvement models.
Leadership and coaching skills, with knowledge of supervision, training, and personnel management practices.
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
Critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculation, and statistical evaluation skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively and foster teamwork.
Ability to interact positively and work effectively with others.
Ability to use independent judgment to plan and organize multiple tasks and information.
Initiative and follow-through on day-to-day responsibilities.
Ability to identify appropriate steps to solve problems and present options for improving processes or procedures.
Ability to handle challenging or conflicting situations with tact and professionalism.
Ability to communicate with employees at various levels to ensure customer needs and requirements are met.
Ability to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests.
Ability to interpret and apply company policies and adapt to change effectively.
Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree in a related curriculum.
Manufacturing experience in food and/or beverage manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Manage daily activities of supervisors and operations staff to ensure orders are safely and cost-effectively received, scheduled, produced, and shipped in accordance with customer requirements, service-level agreements, and safety and quality standards.
Monitor continuous plant operations, report deficiencies to plant leadership, identify and resolve operational issues, and develop and implement work improvements.
Ensure Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained for all operational activities.
Develop, implement, and update plant operations for all processes, and assist in developing and implementing plant safety programs.
Ensure federal regulations and company policies are understood and followed by supervisors and communicated to production employees; advise on their correct interpretation when necessary.
Conduct meetings with department management about policies, plans, operational or employee-relations issues, and general company information.
Prepare for and participate in plant inspections by USPH, USDA, and other authorized agencies, using appropriate staff.
Monitor inventory levels for supplies and equipment and initiate purchases as necessary.
Prepare reports and records for management review.
Evaluate teamwork, cohesiveness, and quality-performance awareness among supervisors and employees.
Manage assigned employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management; apply work rules, applicable union provisions, and employment policies; administer discipline fairly and consistently; and work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve grievances.
Communicate actively with employees through shift meetings and informal methods, and promote positive employee relations.
Maintain safe working conditions and ensure compliance with company, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
Follow DFA good manufacturing practices and comply with company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.