Plant Operations Associate

About the role

Foremost Farms USA is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and a major dairy food and ingredients manufacturing business, representing hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members across seven states and producing about 500 million pounds of cheese and 50 million pounds of butter annually. The Plant Operations Associate is a full‑time, non‑exempt position supporting the manufacturing facility in production, quality, employee health and safety, human resources, and document control.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate human resources and safety administrative tasks: initiate posting of open positions and schedule pre‑employment screening.
• Support the Kronos Time & Attendance System.
• Coordinate employee relations paperwork with corporate Human Resources while maintaining confidentiality.
• Assist with on‑boarding and orientation of new employees.
• Complete paperwork for job changes, status changes, and pay changes.
• Administer safety supplies inventory.
• Conduct safety training and track safety training compliance.
• Coordinate updates to Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for each position.
• Coordinate and support employer‑sponsored events and arrival of guests: meet and greet visitors, notify employees of visitors' arrival, ensure compliance with visitor guidelines.
• Coordinate the ordering and delivery of employee lunches.
• Support production and manufacturing functions: provide support for the Supply Chain Operations Resource Engagement (SCORE) Management Process.
• Support the upkeep and maintenance of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and Action Board functions.
• Analyze and validate milk receipts from outside vendors.
• Support the hourly employee scheduling process.
• Order and monitor employee uniforms.
• Cross‑train and serve as backup for other administrative roles at the facility.
• Adhere to requirements for monitoring and/or verifying control points and maintaining related documentation (e.g., CCP, PC, CQP, HACCP, SQF plans).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1 year of job‑related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in business or other related field.
• 3‑5 years of job‑related experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – flexible coverage with options to meet the needs of you and your family.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – 100% company match on up to 8% of your contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off – start with 200 hours of PTO (pro‑rated for first year).
• 10 Paid Holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave – 6 weeks fully paid.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – when you elect the high‑deductible health plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – save for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Life and Disability Insurance – financial protection for you and your loved ones.
• Daily Pay Option – access your earnings when you need them.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP