Head Miller I

The Mennel Milling Company; Dowagiac (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Flexible Accrued Paid Time Off

Health & Wellbeing Benefits

Life Insurance

Profit Sharing

Career Advancement & Training Opportunities

Retirement Contributions (401k)

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

The Mennel Milling Company in Dowagiac, MI is seeking a Head Miller I to oversee milling operations, ensuring safety and high-quality production. The ideal candidate will possess at least 3 years of experience in flour milling, a PCQI certification, and strong leadership abilities. Responsibilities include leading milling staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The position offers competitive pay, health benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in a flour milling environment.
• PCQI certification required.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily milling operations ensuring safety and quality production.
• Train and develop milling department employees on safety best practices.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Technical knowledge of flour milling

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Milling Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Head Miller I | Join Our Team!

Location: Mennel Milling Company – Dowagiac, MI
Schedule: Full-Time, shift assigned; overtime as required

Flip Your Career with Mennel!

At Mennel Milling, we’ve been feeding the world since 1886 by doing what’s right and bringing our best to our people. We promote teamwork, recognize individual contributions, and take pride in delivering superior quality, uniformity, and service. If you’re an experienced milling professional with a passion for leadership, safety, and quality, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Who You Are

The ideal Head Miller is a confident, hands‑on leader with deep technical knowledge of flour milling operations. You lead by example, build strong teams, and drive excellence in safety, quality, efficiency, and performance. You are process‑driven, solutions‑focused, and committed to continuous improvement across milling operations.

What You’ll Do

As the Head Miller, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the milling department while leading, training, and developing mill staff to achieve maximum efficiencies and the highest flour quality. You will own mill performance and ensure finished products consistently meet specifications while supporting Mennel’s food safety and quality mission.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading daily milling operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and high‑quality production
• Ensuring compliance with all food safety regulations, including GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, GFSI, BRC programs, sanitation, and housekeeping standards
• Maintaining an everyday audit‑ready facility
• Training, coaching, and developing milling department employees on safety policies, procedures, and best practices
• Driving unscheduled mill downtime toward zero by ensuring availability of equipment parts and supplies
• Collaborating with Maintenance to plan repairs and prioritize preventative and predictive maintenance
• Leading continuous improvement efforts to enhance mill yield, extraction, and capacity performance
• Establishing clear performance expectations and accountability for milling department employees
• Owning the quality, consistency, and functionality of finished flour products
• Partnering closely with Quality and cross‑functional teams to ensure product standards are met
• Supporting Mennel’s Mission, Motto, and Food Safety & Quality Statement
• Performing other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Milling Science or related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in a flour milling environment
• PCQI certification required
• Ability to pass a respirator fit test and perform duties while wearing a respirator
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with attention to detail
• Proven leadership and team development experience
• High mechanical aptitude with strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related computer systems
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate internally and externally

Why Join Mennel?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well‑being, and career growth:

• Competitive Pay
• Flexible Accrued Paid Time Off and Holiday Schedule
• Health & Wellbeing Benefits (medical, prescription, vision, dental, HSA, company‑paid short‑term disability, EAP, Local YMCA cost sharing, and more)
• Life Insurance
• Profit Sharing
• Career Advancement & Training Opportunities
• Rewards & Recognition Program
• Retirement Contributions (401k, etc.)
• Tuition Assistance

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and take the next step in your milling career while helping Mennel continue its mission of feeding the world with excellence.