DIVISION MANAGER

Associated-Milk-Producers-Inc.; Portage (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401k

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) seeks a seasoned operations leader to direct plant management, safety, and continuous improvement across the division. You will drive production efficiency, cost control, and quality programs while coaching cross-functional teams to meet strategic goals.

Requirements include a BS in food science or manufacturing, five years of supervisory experience, and willingness to travel. Experience in a dairy production environment is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in food science or manufacturing (or related field) required.
• Five years of supervisory experience required.
• Ten years in a dairy production environment preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all levels of the division.
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams through coaching, performance management, and inclusive leadership.
• Foster a collaborative environment that promotes employee engagement, morale, and retention.
• Direct all plant operations with a focus on maximizing production efficiency, throughput, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead strategic initiatives to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve overall plant performance.
• Oversee quality assurance programs to ensure product excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Drive food safety initiatives and maintain rigorous sanitation, traceability, and product integrity.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate technologies, systems, and workflows for optimization.
• Monitor KPIs and leverage data-driven insights to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Understand business implications of decisions and align work with strategic goals.
• Represent the division in industry associations and community events.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Safety culture

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor of Science in food science/manufacturing

Job description

Job Category: Management, Business & Financial

Requisition Number: DIVIS004045

• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

AMPI owns six Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation’s American-type cheese, processed cheese and butter is produced. The cooperative’s award-winning cheese and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled cheesemakers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time:

Leadership & Workforce Engagement

• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all levels of the division.
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams through coaching, performance management, and inclusive leadership.
• Foster a collaborative environment that promotes employee engagement, morale, and retention.
• Empower frontline leaders to take initiative, solve problems, and drive results aligned with divisional goals.

Operational Excellence & Business Management

• Direct all plant operations with a focus on maximizing production efficiency, throughput, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead strategic initiatives to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve overall plant performance.
• Ensure daily execution aligns with long-term divisional goals and corporate strategy.
• Adapt quickly to competing demands, shifting priorities, and evolving business conditions.

Food Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Oversee quality assurance programs to ensure consistent product excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Drive food safety initiatives and maintain rigorous standards for sanitation, traceability, and product integrity.
• Respond to customer feedback and complaints with urgency, transparency, and a commitment to resolution.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate technologies, systems, and workflows for optimization.
• Lead projects with practical, results-driven planning; communicate changes effectively, build commitment, and overcome resistance with confidence and tact.
• Monitor KPIs and leverage data-driven insights to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.

Strategic and Financial Leadership

• Understands business implications of decisions while displaying an orientation to profitability. Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition and aligns work with strategic goals.
• Evaluates operational performance in the context of broader business objectives, identifying opportunities to enhance margin and reduce waste.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align divisional goals with corporate strategy, ensuring consistent execution and measurable impact.
• Monitors industry trends and customer expectations to proactively adapt processes, product offerings, and resource allocation.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Represent the division in industry associations, community events, and producer patron relations.
• Organize and lead plant tours for corporate staff, board members, and approved external groups.
• Participate in AMPI’s annual meeting and contribute to broader organizational initiatives.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science degree required in food science, manufacturing or related field. A combination of education and relevant dairy experience will be considered.
• Five years of supervisory experience required.
• 10 years of experience in a dairy production environment preferred.
• Maintain a valid drivers’ license and must be able to travel.

BENEFITS/REWARDS

AMPI offers competitive starting pay, PTO, 401k, short-term disability, health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs and more.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Military and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Management.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.