Production Manager

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings.  We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal - No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team. Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different “hats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.

We are currently accepting applications for a Production Manager in our New, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Milton, WI, conveniently located north of Janesville. This is a full time, salaried position, working second shift (1:00 pm-11:00 pm) Monday-Friday. Some after hours and weekend calls are to be expected. 

BENEFITS:

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (Low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, Adults orthodontics)
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Match – up to 5% 
• Paid Vacation, Personal and Volunteer days plus 11 holidays
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Wellness: Free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
• Scholarships – Employee, spouse, and children
• Summer Camp Reimbursement – children of employees
• Tuition reimbursement  
• Employee appreciation events 
• Annual Bonus Potential – 5%
• Free chocolate and coating!

JOB SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for the day-to-day direction, coordination, training, and evaluation of the plant manufacturing operation while maintaining a safe work environment by following all quality programs, organizational policies, and all applicable laws.  This position handles the production scheduling to plan Rock County Facility processes each day.  This position is also responsible for driving continued success and improvement by executing against the planned KPI’s and ensuring these KPI’s are met or exceeded while maintaining an approved budget.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Manages day-to-day production activities.   Ensures production schedule is efficiently implemented and resources are allocated appropriately across all shifts while operating within the established budget.
• First line of contact for Supervisors and Sr. Technicians for troubleshooting equipment and answering production related questions including shipping and receiving.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement activities through change management processes and best practices.  Responsible for leading process improvement efforts
• Attends production scheduling meetings and works with all departments to ensure everything from ingredients to production is coordinated
• Act as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and ERP gatekeeper for plant.  Responsible for answering questions pertaining to these systems and monitoring the data
• Provides back up coverage to Rock County Plant Manager and Production Manager – Days
• Assists in planning future strategic developments & determining the future state of the facility
• Coordinate and track all certification training.   Helps manage safety, certification, and training programs and ensures programs comply with company standards for quality and safety
• Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Company’s policies and applicable laws for all direct reports.   Responsibilities include planning, assigning and directing work, coaching, appraising performance, training, addressing complaints, and resolving problems
• Assist in the daily direction of Maintenance Staff in conjunction with Maintenance Manager
• Member of Facility Food Safety Team (HACCP) and Food Defense Team.  Support enforcement of GMP’s, Food Safety Standards, and other Food Safety Initiatives.
• Support a food safety culture within the site that ensures at a minimum: 
  • The establishment, documentation, and communication to all relevant staff of food safety objectives and performance measures; 
  • Adequate resources are available to meet food safety objectives; 
  • Food safety practices and all applicable requirements of the SQF System are adopted and maintained; 
  • Employees are informed and held accountable for their food safety and regulatory responsibilities; 
  • Employees are positively encouraged and required to notify management about actual or potential food safety issues; and 
  • Employees are empowered to act to resolve food safety issues within their scope of work.
• Travel to training and/or other CQC facilities
• Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures
• Maintain regular attendance at work

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
• Knowledge of Basic Accounting Principles is strongly preferred
• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing experience in a supervisory role
  • Food manufacturing experience is preferred
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Experience with plant control systems and warehouse management system would be helpful
• Must have good driving record and valid driver’s license

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Good oral and written communication skills
• Self-starter
• Strong math skills
• Curious by nature
• Attention to detail
• Leadership and managerial skills
• Honesty and integrity
• Good team building skills
• Business acumen
• Good analytical and decision-making abilities

CQC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.  

For more information, please visit our website at www.cqc.com

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