Plant Manager

Dairy Farmers of America•Marquette, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Due to promotion, we are seeking a Plant Manager to lead operations at our Jilbert’s Dairy plant in Marquette, MI. This role oversees key production areas—including receiving, processing, packaging, and warehouse functions—while guiding supervisors and staff within established work rules and HR policies. The Plant Manager will collaborate closely with plant leadership and corporate partners across quality, HR, engineering, finance, and other functions, and will manage departmental staffing, performance, and development.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
5 to 8 years’ experience in the food/beverage manufacturing environment; dairy industry experience is preferred.
A minimum of 5 years supervisory or management experience.
Solid understanding of manufacturing process flow and its impact on product quality, efficiency, and safety.
Demonstrated knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) and their application in plant operations.
Proven leadership and coaching skills, with experience in supervision, employee development, and performance management.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and navigate company-specific systems and software.
Strong analytical and critical‑thinking abilities, including competence in math, data analysis, and statistical evaluation.
Certifications or licenses may be required during employment (e.g., Pasteurizer License, HACCP, SQF Practitioner).

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree in a related curriculum preferred.
dairy industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage daily activities of supervisors and operations staff to ensure orders are received, scheduled, produced, and shipped safely, at the lowest cost, and at standards to meet customers' requirements and service level agreements, while maintaining established safety and quality standards.
Monitor continuous plant operations in all areas and report deficiencies to plant leadership; identify and resolve operational issues; evaluate current procedures, practices, and precedents for accomplishing plant activities and functions; develop and implement alternative methods of work improvement.
Develop, implement and update plant operations for all processes; assist in development and implementation of plant safety programs.
Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.
Ensure that all federal regulations and company policies are understood and followed by supervision and communicated to and understood by all production department employees; advise them of correct interpretation when necessary.
Maintain preparation for and participate in all plant inspections by USPH, USDA, and other authorized agencies, utilizing appropriate staff.
Monitor inventory levels for supplies and equipment and initiate purchases as necessary.
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.
Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.