Foremost Farms USA, headquartered in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is a world-class supplier of cheese, dairy products, and ingredients to national and international markets. As a dairy cooperative, we are owned by the 1,100 dairy farmers who supply our high-quality milk. Our flexible, diverse plant network allows us to manufacture products and ingredients that are most in-demand - and provide a strong, secure market for our member-owners' milk.

We're looking for employees who challenge the status quo, innovate and aim for excellence. Because we're working to be the world's best - to Be Foremost - we'll bring out the best in you.

JOB TITLE: Production Manager
POSITION TYPE: Full time
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Regular business hours

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for overseeing production supervisors as assigned, to ensure an optimal balance of quality, service and efficiency in order to achieve operational excellence, in accordance with company policies and procedures. This role will have equal emphasis on both technical manufacturing operations and people leadership and development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. The essential functions of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Directly supervising department supervisors and in an appropriate manner regarding all aspects of production activities, including, prioritizing duties, delegating work assignments.
• Ensuring all quality standards and procedures are maintained. Administers all quality procedures, GMPs, environmental sanitation and housekeeping.
• Participating on cross-functional teams to build a culture of operational excellence and innovation in the areas of processing, methods, productivity, Good Manufacturing Practices, safety and quality.
• Overseeing the appropriate training of new and present employees in the processes and methods required to achieve Foremost Farms' standards for quality, quantity, and safety.
• Evaluating processes and methods, to make appropriate recommendations to continuously improve methods, equipment performance, utilization of people, and quality of product and safety objectives.
• Acting as a manufacturing technical resource to address and resolve inquiries and problems regarding production, quality and work problems as appropriate.
• Administration of related company policies and procedures, including OSHA and safety.
• Being actively involved in safety efforts including, attending safety meetings, incident investigations, assisting in root cause analysis, auditing, as assigned.
• Assist HR Business Partner in resolving grievances and managing to contract

• Occasional travel for work

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

The following are required competencies of the position that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

• Computer Skills: Ability to operate all information technology related business systems, programs and applications in a manner that achieves efficiency, accuracy, and relevancy of information processing and reporting as it applies to this position. Must have intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as dictated letters or memoranda, invoices, company policies and various documentation, paying attention to grammar. Ability to process routine reports and correspondences. Ability to communicate effectively with employees and applicants of the organization. Ability to effectively present information to other employees of the organization.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to correctly add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to correctly compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Other Skills & Abilities: Requires the ability to operate a variety of standard business machines. The ability to drive a motor vehicle, and maintaining a valid driver's license. Must have strong leadership and mentoring skills. Must have basic level of lean manufacturing /Six Sigma program knowledge. If required, must be able to obtain Cheese Maker's License, Cheese Grader's license, Weigher's and Sampler's license, pasteurizer operator's certification, and wastewater treatment plant operator certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands - Employee is frequently (more than 75% of time) required to: use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls, sit; to verbally communicate; and to hear. The employee is occasionally (up to 33% of the time) required to walk and stand. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally (up to 33% of the time) lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment - Employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne participles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Protective Equipment - Protective equipment, such as hearing protection, bump cap, safety foot ware, hair net and food safety related PPE or garb, is required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

This position requires an Associate Degree in dairy manufacturing or related field of study and three to five years of job-related experience. The preferred education and experience is a Bachelor Degree in dairy manufacturing or related field of study, knowledge related to the job and three to five years of job-related experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly supervises assigned department Supervisors. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; developing, rewarding, and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; proper administration of the collective bargaining agreement.

BENEFITS:

Because you and your family matter, Foremost Farms offers some of the best benefits in the area! Our comprehensive medical plan includes health, vision, dental, and prescription insurance. You can choose to enroll in a single or family plan with low monthly premiums and low annual deductibles ($250/$500). Other benefits include:

• 401(k) with a generous company contribution (100% match on up to 8% deferral)
• Paid time off, starting at 200 hours (25 days)
• 10 Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks paid at 100%)
• Flexible spending accounts - for medical and dependent care (childcare) expenses
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral program
• Advancement opportunities!

#HP

Equal Opportunity Employer
Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled are encouraged to apply.

At Foremost Farms USA, we believe that employee diversity brings strength to our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Successful completion of pre-employment screening is required, which could include a drug test, background check, and other verifications or assessments to be sure you will be able to succeed in your position.

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