Emerging Production Leader: Projects & Operations

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

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.