We are working with a dairy manufacturer in the New Philadelphia, OH area (~1 hour south of Akron) seeking a Plant Manager with dairy experience to oversee operations of their facility. You will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a dairy processing plant. Your primary focus will be on ensuring the efficient production of high-quality dairy products while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, managing staff, optimizing production processes, and maximizing profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Production Management: Plan, organize, and oversee the production schedule to meet customer demands while ensuring efficient utilization of resources. Monitor production processes to maintain product quality standards and minimize waste. Implement strategies to improve production efficiency and reduce costs without compromising product quality.

• Quality Assurance: Develop and enforce quality control procedures to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and industry standards. Conduct regular inspections of equipment and facilities to identify and address any potential hazards or issues. Collaborate with the quality assurance team to implement corrective actions and preventive measures as needed.

• Staff Management: Recruit, train, and supervise production staff, including operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel. Set performance goals, provide feedback, and conduct performance evaluations to ensure a high level of productivity and professionalism. Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Inventory and Supply Chain Management: Manage inventory levels of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished products to ensure uninterrupted production. Coordinate with suppliers to procure materials at competitive prices and maintain good supplier relationships. Optimize supply chain processes to minimize lead times and reduce inventory holding costs.

• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and standards, including OSHA, FDA, and HACCP guidelines. Implement safety training programs and protocols to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Investigate and address any safety incidents or concerns promptly and effectively.

• Budgeting and Cost Control: Develop and manage the annual operating budget for the dairy plant, including expenses for labor, materials, and overhead. Monitor production costs and identify opportunities to reduce expenses and improve profitability. Analyze financial performance metrics and implement cost-saving initiatives as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in dairy processing, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of dairy processing techniques, equipment, and technologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality management systems in the food industry.
• Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.