Whey Production Manager

Saputo•Waupun, WI

About The Position

The Whey Production Manager leads the overall performance and operation of the Whey/Bi-Products Department. The role oversees production activities, leads supervisors and employees, supports continuous improvement, and ensures department goals for safety, quality, production, cost, and customer service are met. The manager collaborates with Plant Management, Maintenance, Technical Services, and Quality Assurance to improve processes, equipment performance, and product quality; coordinates maintenance and capital projects; manages production schedules and the departmental budget; and ensures customer requirements are met. The position also promotes a safe, compliant manufacturing environment, maintains required documentation, administers company policies with Human Resources, and supports Saputo’s environmental commitments. The position works in a manufacturing environment, with potential exposure to moving mechanical equipment, electrical hazards, wet or humid conditions, elevated work areas, airborne particles, chemicals, outdoor weather, and temperature extremes. The noise level is typically moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field from a four-year college or university; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
At least five years of related experience in a supervisory or management role.
Experience leading and developing supervisors and employees in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to plan, assign, and direct work; coach employees; address concerns; and resolve workplace issues.
Experience supporting interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, and employee development.
Ability to read and interpret business, technical, professional, and regulatory information.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
Ability to present information and communicate effectively with employees, management, customers, and other stakeholders.
Strong problem-solving skills, including defining problems, collecting and analyzing data, establishing facts, and developing effective solutions.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts, including percentages, ratios, proportions, probability, and statistical principles, to practical situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related business applications.
Working knowledge of manufacturing and project software.
Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
Ability to regularly use hands to handle or operate equipment and materials; frequently stand, walk, reach, talk, and hear; and occasionally sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
Familiarity with AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for the Whey/Bi-Products Department.
Lead, coach, and develop Whey Supervisors, employees, and support staff.
Develop, troubleshoot, and improve manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and product quality in partnership with Plant Management, Maintenance, Technical Services, and Quality Assurance.
Coordinate with Maintenance to plan and implement capital projects and maintenance activities.
Ensure customer expectations are met regarding product quality, performance, cost, and timely shipment.
Develop the annual departmental budget with the Plant Manager and monitor costs against budget objectives.
Develop and manage daily and weekly production schedules.
Promote and enforce safety programs, policies, and procedures to help prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
Ensure compliance with GMPs, sanitation requirements, food safety standards, and quality procedures.
Lead troubleshooting, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives through team collaboration and on-the-floor leadership.
Complete and maintain required production, quality, sanitation, scheduling, accident, and investigation documentation.
Administer and enforce company policies and procedures in partnership with Human Resources.
Coach and counsel employees as appropriate and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Maintain an approachable and accessible leadership presence for employees.
Maintain safe and quality-conscious work practices and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
Support Saputo’s vision and goals while considering the best interests of employees, customers, and patrons.
Maintain professionalism and positively represent Saputo.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
Ensure compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices and food safety guidelines to support production of safe, high-quality food products.
Support Saputo’s environmental commitments by following established environmental policies and procedures and reporting potential environmental hazards.
Perform other duties as assigned.