Associate Production Manager

Dairy Farmers of America; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America in Missouri seeks an Associate Production Manager - Special Projects & Leadership Development to rotate through operations and lead strategic projects across manufacturing, quality, maintenance, engineering, warehousing, supply chain, and plant leadership teams.

You'll build leadership capabilities, drive continuous improvement, and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost while developing readiness for a Production Manager role within

Qualifications

• Experience in food, dairy, or beverage manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and coaching abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support plant improvement projects from concept to implementation.
• Develop proficiency in plant operations, safety, quality, and productivity.
• Participate in leadership development programs and training initiatives.
• Shadow Production Managers to gain operational leadership experience.
• Coordinate projects with internal stakeholders and contractors.

Skills

Leadership potential

Communication skills

Analytical problem solving

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing process knowledge

KPI management

MS Office and Power BI

Packaging and filling processes

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Internship/co-op leadership experience

Supervisor experience

Certification/license may be required

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Office

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.

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 is 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