Job Description

General Purpose:

Provide leadership and direction to the employees and teams within the Cheese, Intake, and Evaporator Departments including administration, production, processing, scheduling, sanitation, quality, purchasing, safety and environmental. Effectively communicate and coordinate performance to attain the goals of the plant. The Cheese Manager is responsible for managing critical cheese making processes related to the production of consistent quality cheese and dairy products that deliver to our customer’s expectations while optimizing yields and efficiencies.

The Cheese Manager develops, promotes and maintains a manufacturing environment and a workforce capable of meeting manufacturing requirements in cheese, whey and cream. This position maintains the highest DFA standards and consistently strives to produce quality cheese for customers, always seeking to meet or exceed customer expectations and implement improvements for the future.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for performance of production, focusing on cost, quality, safety, and employee environment.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and improve manufacturing processes and equipment with assistance from Plant leadership and support teams.
• Monitor and oversee the quality of the finished product by maintaining the equipment and facility in a sanitary condition.
• Manage recipes and make updates to maximize both yield and quality/performance of all products produced.
• Fully support and effectively communicate changes in processes, recipe, operation, quality issues and concerns, as well as trials to the Team Leads, Supervisors, Plant Manager and Process Tech.
• Mentor and train Operators, Team Leads, and Supervisors.
• Work with Maintenance and Engineering to coordinate and implement capital projects and maintenance activities.
• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to production and supervisory staff. Develop supervisors to support the plant.
• Ensure customer needs are met to include product performance, quality, cost, and timely shipment of orders.
• Develop a yearly budget with the Plant Manager. Monitor and control departmental costs in comparison with budgetary objectives.
• Promote and enforce safety programs and policies to reduce employee accidents and injuries.
• Promote and enforce GMP’s, HACCP, quality, and sanitation standards, to ensure product quality and integrity.
• Troubleshoot and lead problem solving initiatives through the facilitation of team meetings and on-the-floor leadership. Effectively change systems and update procedures through continuous improvement and effective communication.
• Responsible for the daily and weekly production schedules.
• Complete paperwork, including production/quality records, master sanitation lists, schedules, accident reports and investigations.
• Ensure the consistent application of company policies and procedures. Apply employee progressive disciplinary action in partnership with Human Resources.
• Directs the overall activities of the manufacturing facility to ensure customer orders are received, scheduled, and produced at the lowest possible cost to meet the customers’ requirements while maintaining established safety and quality standards.
• Analyzes plant operations and key metrics to ensure the facility maintains high safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Is responsible for expense management and control, including shrink, labor, and overhead costs.
• Ensures that standard operating procedures are developed and maintained for all aspects of the business.
• Develop and maintain procedures for the cheese make, operation, and training of supervisors and employees in the cheese plant.
• Work with the Quality Manager to make determinations on disposition of product based on product and customer specifications.
• Cooperates in a cross-functional manner as a change agent with all departments within the company.
• Engages in the typical responsibilities of a manager such as, planning, evaluating, organizing, integrating, and delegating.
• Provides management of employees directly or through supervisors to ensure effective selection, retention, development, disciplinary action, and performance management.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable discipline is preferred or High School Diploma / Equivalent with applicable experience in Plant Operations in Manufacturing
• Cheese Makers Certification preferred
• 3+ years managerial experience in a dairy processing facility

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of packaging/processing technology
• Knowledge/expertise in lean manufacturing principles (Kaizen, work balancing, 5S, TPM, Six Sigma, etc.).
• High level of working knowledge in Food Manufacturing that includes manufacturing and operational requirements for the following items:
  • Food Safety / Food Security / Food Quality
  • Manufacturing Safety / Manufacturing Efficiencies
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, specifically Excel, Word, Microsoft Project, PowerPoint, Minitab).
• Able to utilize root cause analysis techniques (fishbone diagram, Pareto charts, 5 Whys, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time management, ability to follow-up, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to select, lead, coach, influence, motivate, develop, engage and retain a team of employees.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to understand cost containment and budgetary principles.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends in support of plant operations.

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans