ABOUT DEHY ALFALFA MILLS

Dehy Alfalfa Mills supplies premium bulk and packaged alfalfa and other forage ingredients to the pet and animal nutrition sectors. Its founding family planed the state’s first alfalfa field six generations ago and went on to become pioneers in alfalfa dehydration. Today, the company’s focus on quality product and customer service ranks it among the leaders in the industry.

THE POSITION

The Mill Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the plant to ensure efficient production and quality control while maintaining product quality. The Mill Manager coordinates the processing of alfalfa from raw material intake to final product shipment and supervises a team of machine operators, maintenance staff and general labor. In addition, they manage the facility's resources, including machinery, equipment, and personnel, to optimize productivity and meet production targets. They also ensure that their employees are trained and that they follow all safety protocols and quality assurance standards.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Oversight: Develop and implement production plans to meet targets and customer demand. Monitor and optimize the manufacturing processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Coordinate with production teams to ensure they follow production schedules.

Staffing Management: Recruit, train, and supervise a skilled team of operators, mechanics, machine operators, and general labor. Schedule and allocate resources effectively to meet production goals.

Safety Focus: Foster a positive and safe work environment, addressing any health or safety-related issues as they arise. Implement and enforce proper safety protocols to protect personnel and assets.

Quality Control: Enforce quality assurance standards throughout the production process.

Conduct regular inspections and quality checks to ensure compliance with industry regulations and customer specifications. Collaborate with the Compliance & Safety Officer to address any deviations and implement corrective actions.

Inventory Management: Oversee the accurate tracking of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods inventory. Develop and implement inventory control strategies to ensure a consistent and reliable supply chain.

Order Fulfillment: Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to understand customer requirements and delivery schedules. Ensure timely order processing, packing, and shipping to meet customer expectations and implement order fulfillment procedures that prioritize accuracy and on-time delivery.

Maintenance Planning: Develop and execute preventive maintenance schedules for machinery and equipment. Coordinate with maintenance staff to promptly address breakdowns and minimize downtime. Implement maintenance best practices to extend the lifespan of equipment and reduce repair costs.

Efficiency Improvement: Identify ways to improve production processes to increase efficiency. Collaborate with other departments to implement technology or procedural enhancements.

Labor Management and Adherence (LMA): Ensure compliance with labor laws, safety regulations, and industry standards.

Budget Management: Provide input into the annual budget for the mill, including expenses related to production, maintenance, staffing, and other operational needs. Monitor financial performance regularly, identify variances, and implement cost-saving measures where applicable.

Continuous Training and Development: Schedule ongoing training programs for employees to increase their skills and keep them updated on industry best practices. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to contribute ideas for enhancing operational efficiency.

Communication and Reporting: Establish effective communication channels within the mill and with other departments. Generate regular reports on key performance indicators, production metrics, and other relevant data for senior management.

EXPERIENCE

§ A high school diploma and courses in agriculture, science or technical courses preferred.

§ A minimum of 5 years of experience in the agricultural or food processing industry, with progressive supervisory experience in roles of increasing.

§ Experience in overseeing and coordinating the work of a variety of employees, including production, maintenance, and quality control staff.

§ Familiarity with quality control processes and standards in the agricultural processing industry and experience in ensuring compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements.

§ Knowledge of machinery and equipment used in processing facilities and some experience with preventive maintenance programs and addressing equipment breakdowns efficiently.

§ Good communication skills and the ability to problem-solve and deal with issues effectively.

§ Demonstrated ability in anticipating and identifying issues, and recommending solutions to enhance delivery, improve customer satisfaction and mitigate risks.

§ Some understanding of budgets and financial reporting is an asset.

§ Able to speak Spanish preferred, not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Plant setting with frequent standing, walking and lifting. Also, some outside work throughout the year.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

Production planning

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Adaptability

Quality management

Collaboration

Technical skills

Inventory management

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Arlington, NE 68002: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person