Assistant Plant Manager - Cultured Dairy Manufacturing

General Purpose

Direct and coordinate plant operations and priorities in coordination with the Plant Manager, and through managers, supervisors, and staff, ensure product is produced efficiently and within cost parameters. Provide work direction to management and employees within the guidelines of standard work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Support the Continuous Improvement (CI) initiative to improve productivity, quality, efficiency of operations, and the facility’s culture. Assist in managing and providing input to the overall operating budget including capital and expense projects. Direct personnel activities of department, such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments using independent judgment within the framework of established human resources policies and practices.

This assistant plant manager job is a single incumbent job found in large plants where an assistant plant manager job is needed for the facility.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in managing plant operations in all areas of responsibility including administration, production, processing, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehousing, shipping, purchasing, safety, and environmental
• Assist in establishing production priorities to ensure product is produced efficiently and within cost parameters while maintaining safety, quality and sanitation standards; obtain optimum production and utilization of workforce, machines, and equipment
• Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to ensure compliance and determine causes of non-conformity with product specifications, customer requirements, FDA/government regulations, etc. Report any non-compliance immediately per established protocol
• Analyze plant operations to ensure that the facility maintains a leadership position in the industry and that it takes advantage of new processes and technologies that become available
• Interact with customers to meet their expectations on a variety of goals including operational, customer service, financial, and quality
• Develop, monitor, and drive plant key performance indicators (KPI’s) related to safety, quality, productivity and finances. Strive for continuous improvement in KPI results. Promote continuous improvement culture and activities
• Understand plant P&L to drive plant performance; may participate in the development of annual operating, capital and expense budgets; provide reliable and accurate information to finance to meet end-of-month closing schedules
• Manage or oversee all corporate, customer, and government audits to ensure compliance
• Conduct meetings with management and staff to ensure all operational issues are being communicated and addressed expediently with a common understanding of goals
• Reinforce and communicate company goals and assist in establishing objectives that align with plant and company goals; reinforce and communicate plant direction, focus and goals
• Provide appropriate direction, mentoring, training, and development planning for managers. Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training and task assignment. Actively work with direct reports to cultivate capabilities and utilize strengths to support career development and succession planning efforts
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• 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

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred
• 8 or more years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing
• 2 or more years’ management experience
• Proven track record of improved results in the areas of quality, safety, service and cost
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and importance to process
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement models
• Understanding of regulatory laws and responsibilities as it relates to facility standards
• Understanding of budgeting and cost control
• Skill in leadership and coaching; knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Skill in critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to think and use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information
• Able to demonstrate strong initiative
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to communicate with various levels of personnel to ensure customers’ needs and requirements are met
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Reporting to this Position

• Managers, supervisors, and professional staff

backup support to position(s)

• N/A

Travel

☐ No travel required

☒ 5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

☐ 15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter)

☐ 25%-50% (up to 1 week per month)

☐ 50%-75% (up to 2 weeks per month)

☐ 75%-100% (3 weeks per month)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans