Production Manager

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Full Time Remus, MI, US

30+ days ago Requisition

The Michigan Milk Producers Association is a dairy farmer owned cooperative and dairy processor. Founded in 1916, the MMPA serves dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

MMPA maintains a strong presence within the dairy industry with strategic business relationships through a variety of channels like processing shelf‑stable, value added dairy products. MMPA has four member owned processing plants in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, including Superior Dairy and the Middlebury Cheese Company. Products made at MMPA’s plants include fluid milk, sour cream, cheese, ultra‑filtered milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk, cream and condensed skim milk.

• Health and wellness benefits with medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health benefits
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement including 401k with employer contributions
• Personal and professional growth opportunities
• Employee appreciation events and recognition awards
• Employee wellness initiatives
• Employee feedback and suggestion forums

Responsible for managing a team of production and warehouse supervisors and shift coordinators. Manages and coordinates all aspects of the production and warehouse processes, ensuring products are produced on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This position leads the production and warehouse team to achieve efficiency and safety goals.

• Accountable for directing the plant production activities and leading the production team to produce and ship quality products to meet business and customer requirements.
• Responsible for full‑plant operations including processing, production and the warehouse.
• Sets strategic direction and implementation of Operational Safety, Quality, HR, and Preventative Maintenance systems for the plant in alignment from Plant Manager.
• Continually develops a stronger understanding of the operation to include equipment operations, workflow, and labor resources. This includes developing hands‑on familiarity with operating processing and packaging equipment and the ability to update the production plan.
• Evaluate and maintain effective application of the SQF plan and regulatory requirements to ensure product quality.
• Inspect facility (production, warehouse, grounds) to assure adherence to safety and operating policies and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) using Company policies and procedures.
• Controls and effectively utilizes the production capacity, workforce, equipment, and outside resources through planning, organizing, and scheduling to minimize losses, while maintaining high levels of compliance with legal and Cooperative requirements.
• Works within the framework of the budget to optimize producer profitability. Interprets policy and decides the best course of action in problems of quality, scheduling and allocation of employee resources maintain efficient operations.
• Works closely with the Plant Manager and supervisors to review and adjust operational goals and efficiencies.
• Most of the time is spent in the production environment with some typical office environment.
• Mentors direct management employees. Participates in Cooperative planning through budget preparation, capital expenditure recommendation, workforce and space forecasting.
• Strategic partner in labor relations issues.
• Provides leadership, development, and support to team members under the guidance of the Michigan Milk Producers Association Management and Leadership Principles.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field required.
• 5-7 years of experience managing in a plant environment.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations preferred.
• A proven ability to manage multiple projects…