Manager, Operations & Cheese Production

The Manager, Operations & Cheese Production serves as the direct supervisor of the production team and related equipment & assets, including both Cheese Production and Cutting & Wrapping areas. This role is accountable for safe production in accordance with GMP policies and plant SOPs. Additionally, they are responsible for the leadership, training, and development, scheduling, inventory management, and equipment reliability within production areas.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Operate safely and appropriately in all AgCertain situations and environments
• Demonstrate an advanced and continuously increasing understanding of associated systems within pre-production, cheesemaking, and post-production
• Display a dedication to lead, participate, and support ongoing safety efforts
• Develop training programs and be a qualified trainer of employees on how to perform all production process procedures
• Monitor production metrics and quality parameters, intervening as necessary to maintain high standards
• Have a thorough understanding of and be able to apply Occupational Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices to procedures within the plant/understand how they affect the production process
• Display advanced working knowledge of the cheese process and related chemistry
• Work alongside the manufacturing operations team to learn, understand, and participate in production
• Follow all written procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
• Manage and coordinate Management of Change projects for both areas of production, including completion and delegation of process information updates, SOP creation or updates, employee training, process control updates, and equipment design updates
• Be able to troubleshoot deficiencies, reduce waste, improve production efficiency, and improve product quality
• Be an active member of the Crisis Management Team, Recall Team, and Food Safety Team with a working understanding of the food safety and quality systems (HAACP, GMP, and SQF) to ensure product quality
• Operate all equipment with a heightened focus on precision and adherence to formulations
• Complete all necessary paperwork and recordkeeping as required by Quality Assurance to maintain traceability accurately and in a timely manner
• Coordinate and assist with maintenance efforts within the facility
• Schedule to ensure production and performance of all kinds meet the requirements of the Company
• Coordinate with and follow guidance from sales, procurement, logistics and other departments of the Company
• Manage inventories of all materials, parts, products, raw materials, etc. including replacement activity
• Undergo Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training and comply with Occupational Safety policies and GMPs in the production process; perform sanitation duties in accordance with SOPs, Food Safety and GMP compliance
• Participate in all company trainings
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• A Bachelor’s degree in a Dairy Science or related field; A degree in Business  or advanced training preferred
• Minimum five (5) years industry experience with a management role
• Prior experience in a food processing plant, manufacturing facility, or food service industry preferred
• Blue Cheese and/or cheesemaking knowledge preferred
• Willingness to learn and understand AgCertain
• Physical abilities to include the ability to lift 75 lbs (34 Kg), ability to spend 8 hours on feet and/or standing in place
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing a team
• Excellent communication, organizational, management, and computer skills
• Advanced skill in Excel and other Microsoft programs
• Possess a mechanical aptitude for operations and maintenance; troubleshoot production systems
• Have a working understanding of cold chain logistics
• Familiarity with ERP systems
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with internal and external customers
• Act with humility, candor, honesty, integrity, and a commitment to safety
• Abide by Good Manufacturing Practices in all areas of the facility