Production Manager - Cheddar, Whey, Intake

About the role

The Production Manager - Cheddar, Whey, Intake leads and oversees all aspects of production in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role drives operational performance across safety, quality, cost and delivery, builds high-performing teams and acts as a key member of the plant leadership team, working on process optimization and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end cheddar production operations in line with plant and business objectives
• Drive performance on SQDCP metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity)
• Lead Lean and operational excellence initiatives
• Manage departmental budgets and drive cost control
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory standards
• Optimize processes to improve yield, consistency and throughput
• Standardize best practices and SOPs across production areas
• Lead, coach and develop teams
• Work with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain and R&D, support audits and lead problem-solving with root cause analysis

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in food science, engineering, operations or a related field (preferred)
• 10+ years of manufacturing operations experience (food/dairy strongly preferred)
• 5+ years in leadership roles managing production teams
• Experience in high-volume, continuous manufacturing
• Proven ability to lead transformation and continuous improvement

Required skills

• Food safety, GMPs and production systems
• Cost management and performance management
• Communication and stakeholder management

What we offer

• Salary range of $102,600 - $128,300, depending on skills, education, training and experience
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) with 7% company contribution
• 3 weeks paid time off, paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave and advancement opportunities