Dairy Plant Leader: Lean Ops & Safety Excellence

Valley Milk; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Family-owned with long-term vision

Growth-oriented leadership

Job summary

Valley Milk, LLC in Turlock, CA is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead a world-class dairy ingredient facility. The role drives safety, quality, productivity, and financial performance while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

The Plant Manager will oversee Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation, shaping high-performing teams and implementing Lean initiatives to deliver operational excellence and growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 5 years leading plant operations within food, dairy, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
• Strong dairy manufacturing experience with milk drying or spray drying operations.
• Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and developing leaders.
• History of improving safety, quality, productivity, employee engagement, and financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Develop and mentor department leaders while building high-performing teams.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Improve OEE, productivity, throughput, yields, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, GMP, FDA, OSHA/Cal-OSHA, and environmental regulations.
• Manage plant budgets and achieve cost, quality, and profitability objectives.
• Analyze operational KPIs and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Support capital improvement projects and operational modernization.
• Partner with Executive Leadership to support long-term business strategy.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Cross-functional leadership

Safety leadership

Financial performance

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Science/Business

Tools

Kaizen

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Job description

Valley Milk, LLC in Turlock, CA is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead a world-class dairy ingredient facility. The role drives safety, quality, productivity, and financial performance while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

The Plant Manager will oversee Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Sanitation, shaping high-performing teams and implementing Lean initiatives to deliver operational excellence and growth.