Job Abstract

At Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) we are proud to be a farmer-owned milk marketing cooperative. Our Beverage and Dairy Foods Division finds innovative ways to use milk components to work with world class customers to develop, manufacture and package their products. We offer a culture of inclusion and engagement that empowers our employees through training, business understanding and growth opportunities. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of our products – come join us!

General Purpose:

Responsible for planning, directing, and supervising activities and employees in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory standards to meet requirements with the production, blending and formulation, and logistics of the plant and to achieve continuous improvement in results of Key Performance Indicators. Ensure employees are trained, have appropriate tools, and have expectations provided in an appropriate and timely manner.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Is responsible for the accurate and timely recording of attendance and time keeping of employees (i.e., Kronos); review and approve employee hours and related information; advise employees of correct procedures for requesting time off
• Audit and approve the exceptions reports for employee punches
• Schedule employees to fill unscheduled vacancies
• Fully comprehends production, processing, and logistics departments and provides relief support when required.
• Direct, motivate, train, and instruct plant employees to ensure administration and enforcement of Company policies/procedures, governmental regulations, and customer requirements
• Identify, recommend, and implement programs, modifications, new equipment, labor reduction/reassignment, and capital projects to improve efficiencies and reduce costs, while maintaining efficiencies, quality, and safety standards
• Ensure efficient production and maintenance labor utilization, production efficiencies, production yields, rework generation control, variable and fixed overhead costs, production related materials and costs, HACCP, and quality to meet standards for Food Safety, Quality and Service
• Prepare production reports, verify daily labor, and audit and verify paperwork for HACCP, CCP and PCP’s
• Manage periodic cycle counts on all raw materials, packaging, and finished product
• Cooperate with and maintain open communication between shifts and departments
• Monitor and order supplies to ensure proper order quantities are met
• Support, via budget and human resource allocation, food safety and quality program development, maintenance and improvements
• Report food safety and quality issues to immediate supervisor
• Drive the MSS program; manage the Sanitation Standards, Procedures, Equipment Inspection, and Sanitary equipment standards on a daily basis
• Initiate and drive continuous improvement activities within the department, operations, and other areas of the facility as part of the team to ensure plant sustainability
• Develop and implement material standards and the necessary control and inspection procedures to improve product quality and reduce downtime
• Manage the 5S implementation throughout department by ensuring understanding and establishing sustainability daily
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 3 to 5 years’ food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience, including 1 year of supervisory experience
• Certificate of completion from a certified FDA Better Process school at time of hire or within 12 months of entry into this position; may be required to obtain and maintain other certifications in the future

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of processes and equipment
• Knowledge of scheduling and company computer systems
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and proficient computer skills
• Knowledge of quality control procedures
• Skill in leadership and coaching
• Skill in problem solving, multi-tasking, analytical thinking, and attention to detail
• Able to work collaboratively in a plant team environment and foster good teamwork
• Able to work collaboratively with government agencies and customers
• Able to promote a team environment, motivate employees, and elicit work output
• Able to employ, lead, and direct continuous improvement concepts to move site’s culture forward
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; able to present professional presentations
• Able to complete arithmetic as required for the position
• Able to work any shift as needed
• Mechanical aptitude
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer