Production Manager

Emmi Roth USA•Stoughton, WI

33d

About The Position

The Production Manager leads daily production operations at Emmi Roth’s facility, ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality manufacturing across production areas. Depending on facility operations, these may include milk intake, cheesemaking, packaging, conversion, prep, affinage, and other production support functions. The role achieves operational objectives through production planning, employee development, continuous improvement, food safety compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. The Production Manager oversees production performance, workforce planning, department budgets, and operational improvement initiatives. The role coaches and develops supervisors and employees, supports succession planning, and works with the Plant Manager and functional partners to advance facility goals and long-term business objectives.

Requirements

Associate degree in Business, Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.
Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in food manufacturing, dairy, cheese production, or consumer packaged goods.
Experience supervising production teams and leading front-line leaders in a manufacturing environment.
Proven ability to develop, coach, and motivate teams.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Working knowledge of food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and food safety requirements.
Experience using ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
Experience working effectively within cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing business needs and operational priorities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience in food manufacturing, dairy, cheese production, or consumer packaged goods.
JD Edwards experience.

Responsibilities

Lead daily production operations with a focus on employee safety, food safety, product quality, productivity, and operational efficiency.
Execute production plans to meet customer demand, inventory requirements, and supply chain objectives.
Monitor and drive performance against KPIs for safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, yield, and schedule attainment.
Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and other teams to achieve operational goals.
Identify, communicate, and resolve production, quality, and operational issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory requirements, including FDA, HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and company standards.
Support inventory accuracy, production planning, and ERP system integrity.
Champion Emmi Operational Excellence initiatives and continuous improvement throughout the facility.
Analyze production data and operational metrics to identify process improvements, waste reduction, and cost savings.
Coach, develop, and motivate supervisors and production employees, promoting accountability, engagement, and teamwork.
Conduct department and supervisor meetings to communicate production performance, business updates, safety initiatives, and priorities.
Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Support development and management of operating budgets, labor plans, and capital improvement projects in partnership with the Plant Manager.
Monitor departmental spending and address budget variances through planning and corrective action.
Lead workforce planning, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, employee development, recognition, and corrective action.
Provide hands-on operational support to supervisors and production teams as needed.
Support succession planning and employee development initiatives.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in employee, operational, and business matters.
Participate in strategic initiatives supporting operational growth, efficiency improvements, and long-term business objectives.