Assistant Plant Manager - Cultured Dairy Manufacturing

About the Role

Direct and coordinate plant operations and priorities in coordination with the Plant Manager. Ensure product is produced efficiently and within cost parameters through managers, supervisors, and staff. Support the Continuous Improvement (CI) initiative to improve productivity, quality, efficiency of operations, and the facility’s culture. Assist in managing and providing input to the overall operating budget, including capital and expense projects. Direct personnel activities such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments within established human resources policies and practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing plant operations in all areas of responsibility including administration, production, processing, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehousing, shipping, purchasing, safety, and environmental.
• Assist in establishing production priorities to ensure product is produced efficiently and within cost parameters while maintaining safety, quality, and sanitation standards; obtain optimum production and utilization of workforce, machines, and equipment.
• Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to ensure compliance and determine causes of non-conformity with product specifications, customer requirements, FDA/government regulations, etc. Report any non-compliance immediately per established protocol.
• Analyze plant operations to ensure the facility maintains a leadership position in the industry and takes advantage of new processes and technologies.
• Interact with customers to meet their expectations on operational, customer service, financial, and quality goals.
• Develop, monitor, and drive plant key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, productivity, and finances. Strive for continuous improvement in KPI results. Promote continuous improvement culture and activities.
• Understand plant P&L to drive plant performance; may participate in the development of annual operating, capital, and expense budgets; provide reliable and accurate information to finance to meet end-of-month closing schedules.
• Manage or oversee all corporate, customer, and government audits to ensure compliance.
• Conduct meetings with management and staff to ensure all operational issues are communicated and addressed expediently with a common understanding of goals.
• Reinforce and communicate company goals and assist in establishing objectives that align with plant and company goals.
• Provide direction, mentoring, training, and development planning for managers. Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training, and task assignment. Actively work with direct reports to cultivate capabilities and utilize strengths to support career development and succession planning efforts.
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state, and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Undergraduate degree in a related curriculum preferred.
• 8 or more years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing.
• 2 or more years’ management experience.
• Proven track record of improved results in the areas of quality, safety, service, and cost.
• Certification and/or license may be required during the course of employment.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and its importance.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement models.
• Understanding of regulatory laws and responsibilities as they relate to facility standards.
• Understanding of budgeting and cost control.
• Skill in leadership and coaching; knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
• Skill in critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations.
• Able to work collaboratively and foster good teamwork.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to interact positively and work effectively with others.
• Able to think and use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills; able to find solutions to challenges.
• Able to present options and ideas for current processes or procedures.
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.
• Strong communication skills; able to interact with various levels of personnel to meet customer needs.
• Able to interpret and apply company policies.
• Able to adapt and manage change effectively.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Pay

$120,000–$140,000

Schedule

Travel required: 5%–15% (1–3 times per year).