Assistant Production Manager

About the position

The Assistant Production Manager for our Cheese Department creates sustained and significant value at the Boardman, OR plant, utilizing technical expertise, quality principles, and project management disciplines to optimize existing processes, conduct research and plant trials, and develop effective work procedures. Translates the customer, vendor and regulatory requirements into work instructions and key performance metrics to ensure product quality at the highest level, as reflected by the specifications for manufacturing. Applies business and technical acumen, influencing skills and sound judgment to ensure products are within manufacturing capability. Mentors and coaches operators and other technical staff to deliver on company objectives. The main focus being on ensuring a solid and successful day-to-day operation.

Responsibilities

• Required to fill in as the Cheese Operations Manager as needed
• Manages the day-to-day operation of the manufacturing facilities in Boardman, OR.
• Ensures long-term, repeatable processes are in place, and employees understand their role in delivering quality, service, and productivity; safely.
• Successfully delivers assignments on time, in-specification and on budget, or where warranted, identify the need for early termination of the project in consultation with the key stakeholders.
• Works closely with Tillamook technical team and operations staff to monitor performance metrics, drive continuous improvement at all locations, and collaborate on product and process innovation.
• Assists in defining project scopes based on input from all key stakeholders, ensuring it accurately reflects the business needs.
• Defines plans for managing project scope, time, cost, quality, communications, human resources, risk and procurement.
• Reports progress and issues to key stakeholders on a regular basis.
• Mentors operational supervisors and operational employees to achieve company objectives.
• Works closely with manufacturing plants, to provide 'fit-for-purpose' product quality, develop efficient processes, and monitors key performance metrics.
• Identifies and implements best practices in operational and quality assurance areas such as process control, continuous improvement, root cause analysis, corrective actions and preventive measures.
• Maintains organization's product and process specifications such that they are commercially sound and regulatory compliant.
• Practices sound change management procedures to meet regulatory, quality, and customer expectations.
• Provides support with product knowledge, quality and technical or operational advice.
• Identifies and implements project opportunities within the manufacturing operations framework for continuous improvement in grades, yields, losses, and costs.
• Actively assists with customer complaint resolution, and where appropriate, initiate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) projects and implement Preventive Measures.
• Uses technical and operational expertise and knowledge to assist with troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Manages operational activities from the tower area forward at the current location.
• Maintains inventory for corrugate, bags, and other consumables and partner with vendors as needed.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, supervisors and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Act as a team player and be able to interact with staff at all levels of the company.
• Utilize a computer with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; SharePoint is a plus.
• ERP experience is required, D365 experience is a plus.
• Highly numerate and analytical and proficient in delivering results.
• Manage the day-to-day performance of Supervisors, Leads, and Operators to ensure they are following proper procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the Cheese Operations Manager or Site Director.

Requirements

• 3+ years proven experience in a Dairy Manufacturing environment is required.
• 3+ years of Leadership experience is required.
• Project Management experience is preferred.
• Working knowledge of the dairy industry is required.
• Bachelor's degree in food technology, science, engineering or dairy is preferred.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefit and reward programs.