Plant Production Manager

UDA - United Dairymen of Arizona•Tempe, AZ

23d•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Manager will lead and optimize butter manufacturing and powder packaging operations for our facility. This critical role requires deep expertise in an expanding, high-volume butter operation with the possibility of future retail product lines. This role will directly manage a team of 20-30 employees across butter production and packaging departments, driving quality, efficiency, and strategic growth.

Requirements

Experience in a lead, supervisor, or management position, preferably in a food processing or manufacturing environment
Must be able to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee and drive projects through completion in a timely, safe, and efficient manner
People Management Skills, able to successfully interact with plant personnel at all levels, possessing strong motivational skills
Successful change agent with an aggressive solution-oriented track record, and effective change control.
Ability to lead multiple business initiatives in a manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of computer programing systems including, but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, inventory management systems, and internet browsers
Detail oriented with the ability to effectively manage and track supply inventory, and efficiencies
Strong communication skills with the ability to discuss and generate business reports, business correspondence, and procedure documents
General understanding of mechanical equipment, parts, and tools
Ability to operate moving tools, equipment, and finished product up to 55lbs on a frequent basis
Extensive experience in butter making, including:
Commodity and retail butter production
Continuous churn, high-volume butter manufacturing
Production of both salted and unsalted butter varieties
Mechanical aspects of butter making and packaging processes
Deep understanding of butter manufacturing techniques
Ability to manage complex packaging operations
Mechanical aptitude for butter production equipment
Experience with:
Liner insertion in packaging
Sealing processes
Quality control in butter production
Managing multiple packaging lines
3 or more years of management experience required
Associates degree, with 5 or more years of management experience required
Or equivalent experience to include a minimum of seven (7) years of management experience required.

Nice To Haves

Powder packaging experience
Experience managing large production teams
Proven track record in food manufacturing efficiency

Responsibilities

Provides management of employees directly or through supervisors to ensure effective selection, retention, development, disciplinary action and performance management.
Directly supervising department supervisors and in an appropriate manner regarding all aspects of production activities, including, prioritizing duties, delegating work assignments.
Analyzes manufacturing data and identifies trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement; identifies and utilizes methods to assure manufacturing processes are more efficient and effective (reducing waste, reducing labor cost, etc).
Directs adjustments of the manufacturing processes to maintain conformance with standards, specifications, and customer requirements.
Ensures effective employee relations by supporting and maintaining a safe and positive work environment. Analyzes and assists in resolving work and/or employee issues through problem resolution.
Acting as a manufacturing technical resource to address and resolve inquiries and problems regarding production, quality and work problems as appropriate.
Collaborate with UDA’s senior leadership on plant production, growth strategy, staffing, and facility needs
Lead the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures for the departments they oversee.
Regularly collaborate with UDA’s quality team to enhance facility, production, and both food safety and quality compliance standards, including the participation of audits
Participating on cross-functional teams to build a culture of operational excellence and innovation in the areas of processing, methods, productivity, Good Manufacturing Practices, safety and quality.
Resolve production and safety problems as needed and provide immediate follow up on production variances and accident investigations
Being actively involved in safety efforts including, attending safety meetings, incident investigations, assisting in root cause analysis, auditing, as assigned.
Monitor the cleanliness and maintenance, oversee the completion of needed repairs
Ensuring compliance with local and federal regulatory requirements including FDA, USDA, and the AZ Dept of Agriculture, resolving and/or reporting compliance issues immediately.