Food Production Lead — Safety & Quality Focus

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Athens (TN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. seeks an experienced supervisor to lead production teams in our Tennessee facility, directing daily operations to ensure safety, quality, and on-time fulfillment.

You will coach and mentor staff, drive continuous improvement, and ensure adherence to GMP and company policies. The role requires strong leadership, clear communication, and effective planning, with a high school diploma and manufacturing experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 to 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing.
• Demonstrated leadership aptitude, team lead experience, or supervisory experience.
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, assign work, and provide clear direction to production employees. Ensure that the production process flows smoothly, and daily production goals are met.
• Monitor operations activities (milk receiving, standardizing, pasteurization, separating, freezing, cooling, filling, mixing, packaging, storing, etc.) to ensure that plant production and quality standards are met.
• Monitor the equipment used in production processes to ensure that equipment is functioning efficiently and is properly cleaned and sanitized. Arrange for timely repair/resolution of equipment failures.
• Actively promote safe work behaviors and hold self and direct reports accountable for following safety rules and regulations. Conduct accident/injury investigations and send reports of injury to HR in a timely manner to meet rapid reporting standards.
• Understand and fulfill the requirements and regulations for food safety and quality. Administer policies, procedures and programs related to operations.
• Supervise production scheduling so appropriate quantities and varieties of product are produced to fill orders, meet demand, meet productivity goals, etc.
• Proactively look for ways to increase operational efficiency and contain costs.
• Work effectively with employees to promote positive and productive working relationships. Effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly.
• Actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods.
• Complete supervisory activities such as administering employee promotions and transfers; reviewing and editing employee timekeeping; completing performance evaluations; mentoring, training, and coaching employees.
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• The requirements 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 may be assigned as required

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Planning and organizing

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. seeks an experienced supervisor to lead production teams in our Tennessee facility, directing daily operations to ensure safety, quality, and on-time fulfillment.

You will coach and mentor staff, drive continuous improvement, and ensure adherence to GMP and company policies. The role requires strong leadership, clear communication, and effective planning, with a high school diploma and manufacturing experience.