What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at Maple Leaf Cheesemakers Inc?
Company Description
Maple Leaf Cheesemakers Inc is a dairy producer based in Monroe, Wisconsin, known for its cheesemaking heritage and high-quality dairy products. Located in a region with a strong agricultural and cheese tradition, the company operates from its facility on Twin Grove Road and serves customers across the United States. Team members work in a hands-on production environment focused on consistency, food safety, and craftsmanship. The organization values reliability, collaboration, and attention to detail in all aspects of its operations. Candidates joining Maple Leaf Cheesemakers Inc will contribute directly to the creation of products that reflect local pride and industry standards.
Role Description
The Production Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Monroe, WI, responsible for leading day-to-day dairy and cheesemaking production activities. This role plans and schedules production runs, allocates labor and equipment, and ensures that output meets quality, safety, and regulatory standards. The Production Manager supervises production staff, provides coaching and performance feedback, and supports training on standard operating procedures and food safety practices. They monitor production metrics, troubleshoot issues on the floor, and coordinate with maintenance to minimize downtime. The role also collaborates with quality assurance, supply chain, and leadership to manage inventory, optimize yields, and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and product consistency.
Qualifications
- Experience leading production operations in a food, dairy, or manufacturing environment, with strong skills in scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow management.
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMPs), with the ability to enforce procedures and support audits and inspections.
- People leadership skills, including supervising diverse teams, coaching staff, managing performance, and fostering a respectful, safe, and inclusive workplace.
- Operational and analytical abilities, such as tracking KPIs, identifying root causes of issues, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with production, quality, maintenance, and logistics teams.
- Comfort working in a hands-on, on-site production environment, including standing for extended periods and following all safety protocols.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Operations, Food Science, Dairy Science, or a related field is preferred.
- Previous experience in dairy or cheesemaking production is a strong plus; willingness to learn specific cheesemaking processes is essential.