Production Manager - 1st Shift

**SHIFT: 1st** **Why you will love working at Maola®:** - Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future. - Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high-quality Maola dairy products. - We prioritize your well-being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more—available within your first month. - Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters. **Starting Annual Salary Range: $90,407 - $105,000** **SUMMARY** The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of milk processing from raw receiving to packaging of finished goods. This role ensures all activities are conducted efficiently, safely, and in compliance with food safety regulations. The manager will lead 3 production shifts on a 24- hour operation. Focus on optimization of processes and procedures to maintain and improve efficiency. This role also will focus on product quality and plant sanitation through collaboration with other departments such as quality assurance, maintenance, and shipping and receiving. **ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLLITIES** To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. - Ensure production efficiencies are met while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. - Monitors and supports execution of production schedules. - Identifies issues in day-to-day activities and creates resolution while effectively communicating to relevant stakeholders. - Foster a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. - Assists and addresses staffing needs and ensure proper manpower allocation. - Maintain up-to-date knowledge of dairy processing technologies and innovations. - Leading and engaging employees in focused business and process improvement initiatives. - Promoting a sense of urgency during production runs and addressing machine downtime promptly. - Enforce safety protocols, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies, Good Manufacturing Policies (GMP), safety regulations, and plant documentation standards. - Ensure all products meet food safety and quality specifications. - Ability to identify, implement, and sustain Key Process Indicators (KPI’s) - Assist operators in achieving throughput by sharing data associated to KPIs. - Identify root causes of underperformance and address issues effectively. - Manage time and attendance records for production staff and arrange shift coverage when approving time off. - Other duties may be assigned. **BASIC REQUIREMENTS** - High School Diploma, General Education Degree (GED), or International Education Equivalent. - At least 3 years or more of food manufacturing operational leadership experience. - At least 3 years of experience in manufacturing and environments that use continuous improvement tools in the areas of lean manufacturing and statistics. - Experience in dairy processing technologies and food safety standards preferred. - Bachelor’s degree preferred. - SAP experience preferred. **COMPETENCIES** - Communication - *Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels – oral, written, visual, and non-verbal – ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in-person or digitally.* - Accountability - *Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise.* - *Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur.* - Customer Focused - *Prioritize understanding and mee…