Assistant Plant Manager - Dairy Manufacturing

CSG Talent; Missouri; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a leading dairy manufacturer, is seeking a hands-on Operations support role to assist the Plant Manager in day-to-day production and upcoming scale-up.

You will help install and commission a new plant, troubleshoot issues, develop best practices, plan maintenance, and mentor a small workforce of operators.

Qualifications

• Proven experience assisting with day-to-day production operations in a facility.
• Dairy or food manufacturing experience is essential.
• Ability to troubleshoot production and plant issues.
• Experience planning maintenance and coordinating with a plant team.
• Strong leadership and ability to train and guide operators.
• Knowledge of Workplace Health, Safety & Environmental processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist Plant Manager with monitoring production performance at the site.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day plant and process issues and coordinate responses.
• Provide technical direction to production staff and help develop SOPs and training.
• Assist with plant maintenance, respond to breakdowns, and coordinate planned maintenance.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental processes are followed and maintained.
• Lead improvement initiatives to enhance plant performance and workplace practices.
• Support food safety and quality certification objectives.

Skills

Production management

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Communication

Job description

About the Company

Our client is one of the biggest Dairy manufacturers and is a part of an established global group of companies which embrace a strong vision of developing innovative solutions to create healthier people and a healthier planet.

About the Role

You will be responsible for assisting the Plant Manager with managing the day-to-day operations of a semi-commercial scale food manufacturing plant which will be scaled up significantly over time. Prior to the commencement of operations, you will assist with the final installation and commissioning aspects of the new plant. The role is both diverse and hands-on and the scope of responsibilities could range from troubleshooting operational issues, developing and implementing best practices and planning maintenance of plant and equipment. A key focus of the role will be to provide direction and support to a small workforce of operators and assisting the Plant Manager to develop a highly skilled and versatile workforce.

Key Position Responsibilities

• Assist the Plant Manager with monitoring plant performance for all products produced at the site
• Troubleshoot and problem solve day-to-day plant and process issues, as well as conducting investigations and coordinating responses to issues
• Provide technical direction and support to the production workforce, devise and implement operating procedures and deliver training
• Assist the Plant Manager with plant maintenance, including responding to plant breakdowns and preparing for planned maintenance work and coordinating the annual maintenance program
• Ensure Workplace Health & Safety and Environmental Management processes and compliance are followed and adhered to
• Develop and coordinate improvement projects and initiatives which enhance plant performance and improve workplace practices
• Assist with ensuring food safety and quality certification standards and objectives are adhered to and met

Key Position Requirements

• Proven experience in assisting with managing the day-to-day operations of a production facility, including monitoring production performance and providing technical support
• Food or Dairy Manufacturing a must
• Effective troubleshooting skills, including the ability to resolve production and plant issues
• Proven ability to assist with planning and coordinating plant maintenance
• Effective leadership skills, including the ability to provide technical direction and support to a production workforce, as well as coordinating and delivering training
• Up to date knowledge and ability to ensure Workplace Health, Safety & Environmental processes are in place and being adhered to
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, ranging from the ability to deliver instructions during a toolbox talk to preparing reports on production performance or an improvement project