Job Summary/Objective

 

The Production Manager will lead and optimize the Tempe protein, evaporator, and dryer production unit. This role is responsible for the direct/indirect supervision of protein, evaporation, and drying employees to deliver exceptional performance as expected by UDA members, management, and our customers.

 

This is a leadership role and is expected to inspire employees to greater levels of professionalism, quality, productivity, and engagement within the UDA Team.

 

 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

 

• Manage the health, safety and well-being of team members. Promote employee participation in actively managing EHS through identification and mitigation of hazards. Ensure timely reporting and investigation of EHS events.


• Provides functional leadership to employees directly or through supervisors regarding all aspects of production activities, including prioritizing duties and delegating work assignments.


• Monitor and address production performance. Develop and managing plant KPI’s. Conduct meetings with plant staff to ensure employee and operational issues are being communicated and addressed expediently with a common understanding of goals. Ensure production unit workforce planning, roster, and training requirements are met. Communicate production status with the Site Director and internal business stakeholders as appropriate (e.g. FSQ, EHS, HR, Warehousing, Logistics, Milk Logistics, Sales)


• Ensure effective employee relations by supporting and maintaining a positive work environment. Analyze and assist in resolving work and/or employee issues through problem resolution.


• Conduct meetings with plant staff to ensure employee and operational issues are being communicated and addressed expediently with a common understanding of goals. Ensure production unit workforce planning, roster, and training requirements are met.


• Participate in the development of annual plant operations and capital budgets. Responsible and accountable for the P & L performance of the production unit fixed and variable costs. Review and approve department purchases.


• Analyze manufacturing data and identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement; identify and utilize methods to ensure manufacturing processes are more efficient and effective (reducing waste, reducing labor cost, etc.).


• Ensure the production unit is compliant and operates within regulatory and business requirements (e.g. AZ Dept of Ag, USDA, PDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA). Report any non-compliance immediately according to the established protocols. Capture, manage and track corrective actions.


• Collaborate with UDA's senior leadership on plant production, growth strategy, staffing, and facility needs.


• Timely investigation of customer complaints. Capture, manage and track corrective actions.


• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures. Ensure all plant personnel are trained to operate in compliance with plant and business procedures. Report any non-compliance immediately to upper management.


• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

 

Travel Requirements

☒None            ☐ Minimal             ☐ Moderate          ☐ High    

 

 

Qualifications:

 

Skills & Abilities:

 

• Able to understand P&L reports and use P&L results and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to improve plant performance.


• Technical understanding of dairy manufacturing processes and products.


• Able to lead and participate in collaborative problem solving using structured techniques (RCA, 5-why, fishbone).


• Proven ability to engage broadly and effectively lead teams to leverage the combined talents of various individuals within UDA.


• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.


• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (i.e. organizational skills)


• Able to interact in a positive way with all personnel within UDA and with our customers


• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint


• Must be able to read, write and speak English

 

 

Experience: Required:

 

• 5+ years in a management role in a plant environment


• Relevant experience within dairy or food manufacturing environments.

 

Experience: Preferred:

 

• Bachelor of Science in an applicable discipline preferred

 

Education/Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required

  

 

Work Environment & Demands

Physical and environmental demands for this position are indicated below:  (check all that are applicable)

Physical Demands:

• Requires ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time.


• Requires ability to stoop, bend, reach, lift and carry items up to 55lbs.


• Requires ability to climb ladders and stairs of varying heights.


• Requires ability to visually observe the condition of surroundings.


• Requires ability to work in varying temperatures including hot working conditions.


• Requires ability to hear and speak.