Head Miller

Head Miller – Job Overview

The Head Miller leads milling operations at less complex facilities, managing production of a limited range of wheat grits. You will oversee day‑to‑day operations—production, maintenance, sanitation, and team development—ensuring alignment with Ardent Mills’ values, safety standards, and operational policies. In larger mills, the Head Miller may operate under a Senior Head Miller, supporting leadership of a broader, more intricate milling operation.

Whether leading independently or supporting a senior leader, the Head Miller maintains quality, efficiency, and Ardent Mills’ reputation as the preferred regional flour supplier.

• Operational Management: Identify and resolve operational discrepancies, implementing focused solutions with clear timelines.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with the milling team to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Maintenance Oversight: Develop and execute maintenance plans to ensure optimal operation of milling equipment and identify critical spare parts.
• Training & Development: Partner with the Milling Center of Excellence (COE) to create effective training programs for millers and interns, fostering skill development across the workforce.
• Project Leadership: Act as project manager for capital improvements and lead larger‑scale projects in collaboration with the engineering team.
• Performance Metrics: Utilize key performance metrics to benchmark and drive operational improvements.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain compliance with company policies, regulatory standards, and safety protocols, ensuring a clean and safe work environment.

• Bachelor’s degree with 2‑5 years of milling and leadership experience, or a high school diploma/GED with 6‑9 years in similar roles.
• Proficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting milling equipment.
• Experience in implementing LEAN practices to enhance process efficiency.
• Basic knowledge of milling systems and pneumatic flow sheets.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to create and modify CAD drawings for mill layouts and systems.
• Strong leadership and training abilities to guide team members in machinery operation and maintenance.
• Willingness to collaborate with the engineering team and plant manager in overseeing smaller capital projects and managing on‑site contractors effectively.

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the operating areas (e.g., safety glasses, protective footwear, hearing protection, and, at times, a respirator).
• Ability to work a rotating schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work a machine‑paced continuous process that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with conditions that include heat/cold temperatures, dusty environment, noisy environment, frequent moving/vibration, elevated places, and performing administrative tasks at a computer.

• Ability to travel 5‑10 %.
• Willing to relocate for promotional opportunities.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Health and Dependent Savings Accounts
• Life and Disability Programs
• Voluntary Benefit Programs
• Company Sponsored Wellness Programs
• Retirement Savings with Company Match
• Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE)

We provide market‑driven base pay, with a starting range of $86,200.00 – $, plus additional earning potential based on performance. Bonus opportunities are included at 10 % annual.

At Ardent Mills, everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members, and decisions are based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of the work performed by employees in this position.

It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.

Except where prohibited by law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test and pre‑employment background check.