Associate Production Manager

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Joplin (MO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. seeks an Associate Production Manager - Special Projects & Leadership Development in Joplin, MO.

The role offers rotational assignments and hands-on leadership experiences across high-volume manufacturing facilities. You will lead strategic operations projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance while collaborating with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; leadership/internship or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in food, dairy or beverage manufacturing environments.
• Certification and/or License may be required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support projects across operations, including safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Coordinate with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, warehousing, and plant leadership teams.
• Develop charters, timelines, budgets, and risk assessments for projects.
• Track performance and communicate progress to leadership.
• Support startup, commissioning, and deployment of new equipment and processes.
• Mentor and develop frontline supervisors and team leaders.

Skills

Leadership potential

Communication

Analytical thinking

Project management

KPI management

Microsoft Office

Power BI

Manufacturing systems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Internship/co-op/military leadership/supervisory experience

Experience in food/dairy/beverage manufacturing environments

Tools

Power BI

Manufacturing systems

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Associate Production Manager - Special Projects & Leadership Development candidate will, through rotational assignments, operational leadership experiences, and project ownership, develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead high-volume manufacturing operations. Lead and support strategic operational projects focused on improving safety, quality, productivity, reliability, capacity, customer service, sustainability, and cost performance.

Work closely with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, warehousing, supply chain, and plant leadership teams to implement operational excellence initiatives and achieve plant objectives. Support continuous improvement efforts through data analysis, project management, and employee engagement activities.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete operations development encompassing Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Processing disciplines, preparing for future leadership responsibilities through hands-on experience with existing and planned filling and packaging operations.
• Develop proficiency in plant operations, food safety systems, labor management, and performance leadership.
• Participate in leadership development programs and management training initiatives.
• Shadow and support Production Managers and Plant Leadership to gain operational leadership experience.
• Develop competency in daily management systems, KPI reviews, employee coaching, and performance management
• Lead capital, operational, and continuous improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate project activities with internal stakeholders, contractors, suppliers, and corporate resources.
• Develop project charters, timelines, budgets, risk assessments, and implementation plans.
• Track project performance and communicate progress to plant leadership.
• Assist with commercialization and startup support for new products, packaging formats, and manufacturing technologies.
• Provide support for bottle, gable top, esl, aseptic, and packaging operations as assigned.
• Monitor operational performance and assist supervisors in achieving production goals.
• Participate in Daily Vital Signs, shift handoffs, and performance review meetings.
• Assist with labor planning, schedule attainment, and efficient resource utilization.
• Support production teams during startup, changeovers, troubleshooting, and process improvement activities.
• Ensure compliance with: GMP Requirements, HACCP Programs, SQF Standards, FDA Regulations, Customer Requirements.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and corrective action activities.
• Support investigation of product quality, food safety, and operational deviations.
• Build relationships across departments and shifts.
• Conduct employee observations and coaching activities.
• Participate in employee engagement initiatives and leadership training programs.
• Support development of frontline supervisors and team leaders.
• The responsibilities herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties will be assigned as required.

DELIVERABLES:

• Lead 2–4 major plant improvement projects.
• Deliver measurable OEE improvements.
• Reduce conversion cost through waste elimination projects.
• Support startup and commissioning of new equipment.
• Complete cross-functional rotations.
• Demonstrate readiness for promotion into a Production Manager position within 12-24 months.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Internship, co-op, military leadership, or supervisory experience.
• Experience in food, dairy, or beverage manufacturing environments.
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Beverage, dairy, aseptic, ESL, bottle filling, gable top filling, roll-fed filling, blow molding, and/or packaging experience.
• Strong leadership potential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and KPI management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Power BI, and manufacturing systems.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans