Senior Cheese Production Manager

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Senior Production Manager is responsible for overseeing various aspects of production, safety, and modernization initiatives within the dairy manufacturing facility. This role requires a seasoned professional with a strong background in continuous improvement methods, machine setup, safety standards, and modernization efforts. The ideal candidate will bring innovative ideas to enhance production efficiency and uphold quality standards while working closely with the plant management team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and guidance to supervisory staff and employees, promoting a culture of safety, efficiency, and excellence.
• Manage production and packaging activities, ensuring smooth operations and consistent output while reporting to the Plant Manager.
• Prepare and review production, safety, and quality reports, implementing corrective actions as needed to maintain industry-leading standards.
• Mentor and develop supervisory staff, identifying opportunities for improvement and organizing training programs to enhance skill sets.
• Enforce adherence to quality systems, processes, and procedures to guarantee the production of dairy products that meet exacting specifications.
• Lead initiatives for cost reduction, quality assurance, and production enhancement using lean manufacturing principles.
• Collaborate with Planning and Operations teams to optimize production schedules and address any challenges promptly.
• Encourage problem-solving efforts among employees, facilitating the identification of root causes and effective resolutions.
• Coordinate with Scheduling to maximize overall company performance, prioritizing customer service excellence.
• Implement robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to evaluate production-related performance metrics and drive continuous improvement efforts.
• Conduct engaging meetings with employees to align with organizational objectives and foster open communication.
• Undertake additional duties or projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to achieve operational excellence.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to interpret documents, draft reports, and communicate effectively across all levels.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts for accurate calculations.
• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing (dairy preferred), with a focus on continuous improvement and modernization efforts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant computer applications for data analysis and reporting.
• Effective time management and multitasking skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with Lean, TPM, and Six Sigma methodologies, showcasing a dedication to continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of FDA, GMP, and HACCP regulations to ensure compliance.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities to engage frontline employees and drive performance.
• Willingness to work occasional weekends to support plant operations.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred for effective communication.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to operational excellence and innovation within the organization while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance under the guidance of the Plant Manager.