Production Manager - Cheddar, Whey, Intake

Your Role In Evolving How We Work

The Production Manager – Cheddar, Whey, Intake leads and oversees all aspects of production in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role drives operational performance across safety, quality, cost, and delivery, while building high-performing teams and fostering a strong culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

As a key member of the plant leadership team, this position plays a critical role in executing business objectives through process optimization, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Lead end-to-end cheddar production operations, ensuring alignment with plant and business performance objectives
• Drive operational performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity (SQDCP) metrics
• Champion continuous improvement, leading Lean and operational excellence initiatives to enhance performance
• Manage departmental budgets and drive cost control and operational efficiency
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Optimize production processes to improve yield, consistency, and throughput
• Standardize best practices and SOPs across production areas to ensure consistency and efficiency
• Lead, coach, and develop teams, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate cross-functionally (Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, R&D) to drive alignment, support product initiatives, and resolve issues
• Support audits and lead problem-solving efforts, using root cause analysis to drive sustainable solutions

The Profile That Will Contribute To Change

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Engineering, Operations, or related field (preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations (food/dairy strongly preferred)
• 5+ years in leadership roles, managing teams in a production environment
• Strong experience in high-volume, continuous manufacturing operations
• Strategic leadership with strong operational execution
• Deep knowledge of food safety, GMPs, and production systems
• Proven ability to lead transformation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong business acumen with experience managing costs and performance
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Able to lead in complex, fast-paced manufacturing environments