Manager Plant Operations

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Manage operating departments and staff within the plant in areas such as milk receiving, warehouse/cooler, processing, filling, packaging, and/or retort departments for operations. Provide work direction and supervision to supervisors and employees within the guidelines of standard work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Work closely with plant management and serve as a liaison with corporate functional departments including quality assurance, human resources, accounting, engineering, purchasing, research and development, and risk management. Direct personnel activities of department, such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments using independent judgment within the framework of established human resources policies and practices.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage daily activities of supervisors and operations staff to ensure orders are received, scheduled, produced, and shipped safely, at the lowest cost, and at standards to meet customers' requirements and service level agreements, while maintaining established safety and quality standards
• Monitor continuous plant operations in all areas and report deficiencies to plant leadership; identify and resolve operational issues; evaluate current procedures, practices, and precedents for accomplishing plant activities and functions; develop and implement alternative methods of work improvement
• Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained for all operational activities
• Develop, implement and update plant operations for all processes; assist in development and implementation of plant safety programs
• Ensure that all federal regulations and company policies are understood and followed by supervision and communicated to and understood by all production department employees; advise them of correct interpretation when necessary
• Conduct meetings with department management to communicate essential policies, plans, or problems affecting operations and employee relations and general company information
• Maintain preparation for and participate in all plant inspections by USPH, USDA, and other authorized agencies, utilizing appropriate staff
• Monitor inventory levels for supplies and equipment and initiate purchases as necessary
• Prepare reports and records for management review
• Evaluate the cohesiveness and team spirit of supervision and employees and their awareness of quality performance
• Manage assigned employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management. Understand and effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances.
• Actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods. Maintain and promote positive employee relations in work environment
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• 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