Production Manager

Michigan Milk Producers Assoc • Remus, MI

2h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative and dairy processor founded in 1916. MMPA serves dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, processing shelf-stable, value-added dairy products. MMPA has four member-owned processing plants in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, including Superior Dairy and the Middlebury Cheese Company. Products made at MMPA’s plants include fluid milk, sour cream, cheese, ultra-filtered milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk, cream, and condensed skim milk.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field required.
• 5-7 years of experience managing in a plant environment.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations preferred.
• A proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Operational/plant management experience considered a plus.
• Excellent analytical problem solving and trouble-shooting abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with regulatory agencies.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent planning/organization skills.
• Ability to work with deadlines/schedules.
• Self-starter; requires minimum supervision.
• Candidate must be able proficient with Microsoft Office based programs.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license.
• Experience with milk processing such as separator, pasteurizers, evaporators and filtration equipment (RO / UF).
• Knowledgeable in FDA, MDARD and USDA requirements.
• Experience with MMPA systems and personnel.
• Experience managing in a unionized environment.
• The job requires individuals to monitor all aspects of the operation, often requiring inspection of hard-to-reach areas where the candidate may have to climb, balance, kneel, crouch and crawl.
• Pipe connections sometime require the individual to reach above the shoulders.
• On occasion an individual may be required to lift and / or move 50-pound components or finished product manually or with a powered industrial lift (PIT).
• Communication and listening skills are a must.

Nice To Haves

• Food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations preferred.
• Operational/plant management experience considered a plus.
• Experience with milk processing such as separator, pasteurizers, evaporators and filtration equipment (RO / UF).
• Knowledgeable in FDA, MDARD and USDA requirements.
• Experience with MMPA systems and personnel.
• Experience managing in a unionized environment.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for directing the plant production activities and leading the production team to produce and ship quality products to meet business and customer requirements.
• Responsible for full-plant operations including processing, production, and the warehouse.
• Sets strategic direction and implementation of Operational Safety, Quality, HR, and Preventative Maintenance systems for the plant in alignment with the Plant Manager.
• Continually develops a stronger understanding of the operation to include equipment operations, workflow, and labor resources. This includes developing hands-on familiarity with operating processing and packaging equipment and the ability to update the production plan.
• Evaluate and maintain effective application of the SQF plan and regulatory requirements to ensure product quality.
• Inspect facility (production, warehouse, grounds) to assure adherence to safety and operating policies and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) using Company policies and procedures.
• Controls and effectively utilizes the production capacity, workforce, equipment, and outside resources through planning, organizing, and scheduling to minimize losses, while maintaining high levels of compliance with legal and Cooperative requirements.
• Works within the framework of the budget to optimize producer profitability. Interprets policy and decides the best course of action in problems of quality, scheduling, and allocation of employee resources to maintain efficient operations.
• Works closely with the Plant Manager and supervisors to review and adjust operational goals and efficiencies.
• Mentors direct management employees. Participates in Cooperative planning through budget preparation, capital expenditure recommendation, workforce, and space forecasting.
• Strategic partner in labor relations issues.
• Provides leadership, development, and support to team members under the guidance of the Michigan Milk Producers Association Management and Leadership Principles.
• Follow plant safety/environmental objectives and targets.
• Follow plant safety rules, report incidents & unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintain compliance with regulations and refer to the Safety & Environmental Management System(s) on all related procedures and programs.
• Demonstrates total commitment to the manufacturing of safe and compliant products.
• Participates as a change control member to manage corrective actions in the production area.
• Directs the troubleshooting of operational deviations.
• Participates in periodic audits of sanitation, general GMP’s and manages corrective actions.
• Participates in setting production standards with the Finance & Production teams.
• Reviews the attained efficiencies/performances and yields on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis and manages corrective actions for improvements.
• Leads and participates in operational review meetings.
• Facilitates Root Cause Analysis Exercises, including cost savings projects, communications, culture change.
• Reviews and directs the operational Forms and SOP’s.
• Understands and provides input into the production master planning for the site.
• Reviews the short-term and long-term production schedules to optimize productivity and schedule attainment.
• Participate in the weekly and daily production scheduling meetings.
• Leads and directs the plant operations leadership to support effective execution of 365, 24-7 operations to meet cost, quality, and fulfillment goals.
• Develops talent and coaches team to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Sets goals for the department. Conducts performance appraisals.
• Labor: Coaches the Team Advisors on difficult personnel issues.
• Hiring: Participates in the hiring of related new employees.
• Shows passion to lead efforts to coach, train, and develop department members.
• Reviews proposals for upcoming projects in the production areas.
• Works with Operations Performance to conduct annual capacity studies as well as project related studies.
• Maintains a focus on continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health and wellness benefits with medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health benefits
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement including 401k with employer contributions
• Personal and professional growth opportunities
• Employee appreciation events and recognition awards
• Employee wellness initiatives
• Employee feedback and suggestion forums

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager