Production Manager (Dairy/Food/Bev)

Mayfield Dairy Farms - Athens, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Athens, TN

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

Mayfield Dairy Farms is seeking a Production Manager to oversee production activities within our facility located in Athens, TN. As a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality dairy products to our communities. The Production Manager will be responsible for managing production operations to ensure efficiency and profitability while adhering to safety and quality standards. This role involves providing direction and supervision to production supervisors and employees, ensuring compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and safety initiatives. The Production Manager will also assist in formulating plant objectives and policies, resolving operational issues, and managing personnel activities such as recruitment, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments. In this position, the Production Manager will analyze operations and key metrics to maintain high quality and safety standards, proactively seeking ways to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. The role requires the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all operational activities, as well as participation in plant inspections by authorized agencies. The Production Manager will also be responsible for monitoring inventory levels, preparing reports for management review, and maintaining positive employee relations within the work environment. This position requires a strong commitment to safety and compliance with all company, state, and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, continuous improvement models, and the ability to lead and coach teams effectively. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with various levels of personnel are essential for ensuring that customer needs and requirements are met. This role offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company, as we prioritize promoting from within our ranks.

Responsibilities

• Manage production activities to ensure efficient and profitable operations.
• Provide work direction and supervision to production supervisors and employees.
• Oversee daily management of various departments to ensure compliance with company, regulatory, safety, and quality requirements.
• Assist in the formulation of plant objectives, policies, and plans.
• Resolve operational issues in a timely manner.
• Direct personnel activities such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments.
• Manage daily operational activities of supervisors and production staff to meet customer orders.
• Analyze operations and key metrics to maintain high quality and safety standards.
• Ensure development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures for all operational activities.
• Report deficiencies to plant leadership and identify operational issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of safety programs.
• Conduct meetings with department management to communicate essential policies and plans.
• Monitor inventory levels for supplies and equipment and initiate or approve purchases.
• Prepare reports and records for management review.
• Maintain and promote positive employee relations in the work environment.
• Ensure compliance with all company, state, and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred.
• 5 to 8 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing.
• Supervisory or management experience required.
• Certification and/or License may be required during course of employment.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing process flow and its importance.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement models.
• Skill in leadership and coaching; knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
• Skill in critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in dairy or food production environments.
• Familiarity with union contract provisions and employment policies.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement