Head Miller I

The Mennel Milling Company; Mount Olive (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible PTO

Health & Wellbeing Benefits

Life Insurance

Profit Sharing

Rewards & Recognition Program

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

The Mennel Milling Company in Mt Olive, IL seeks a Head Miller to lead the flour milling operation with focus on safety, quality, and efficiency. You will guide mill employees, optimize processes, and ensure products meet specifications while upholding food safety standards.

Collaborating with Maintenance and QA, you will drive yield improvements, minimize downtime, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Milling Science, Food Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive flour milling experience.
• PCQI Certification required.
• Ability to pass a respirator fit test and work with respirators.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, efficient milling operations to achieve high-quality production.
• Ensure GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, GFSI, and food safety standards are met.
• Train and develop mill staff, promoting a strong safety culture.
• Drive maintenance with preventative/predictive programs and uptime goals.
• Improve yield, extraction, and production capacity continually.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Organization

Microsoft Office

Respirator fit test

PCQI Certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Milling Science, Food Manufacturing, Operations, or related field

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Regular Mt Olive Flour Mill, Mt Olive, IL, US

Salary Range: $24.00 To $39.00 Hourly

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 every day. We promote teamwork, recognize individual contributions, and take pride in delivering superior quality, uniformity, and service. If you’re an experienced milling professional who thrives on leading teams, optimizing performance, and driving operational excellence, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Who You Are

The ideal Head Miller is a hands‑on leader with strong technical expertise in flour milling operations. You are passionate about quality, safety, and efficiency while developing high‑performing teams. You excel at problem‑solving, continuous improvement, and building a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do

As the Head Miller, you will lead the safe and efficient operation of the milling department while developing and guiding mill employees to achieve maximum milling efficiencies and exceptional flour quality. You will be responsible for ensuring products consistently meet specifications while supporting Mennel’s food safety and quality standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and directing milling operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality production
• Ensuring compliance with GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, GFSI, BRC requirements, sanitation programs, and food safety standards
• Maintaining an everyday audit‑ready facility
• Training, coaching, and developing milling employees while promoting a strong safety culture
• Ensuring compliance with all corporate EHS policies, procedures, and programs
• Driving unscheduled mill downtime toward zero through effective equipment management and planning
• Partnering with Maintenance to implement preventative and predictive maintenance programs
• Continuously improving mill yield, extraction rates, and production capacity
• Establishing clear expectations and accountability for department performance
• Taking ownership of finished flour quality and ensuring all products consistently meet specifications
• Collaborating with Quality and other departments to maintain product consistency and customer satisfaction
• Driving teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the milling department
• Performing other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Milling Science, Food Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in a flour milling environment preferred
• PCQI Certification required
• Ability to pass a respirator fit test and perform job duties while wearing a respirator
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Exceptional troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
• Strong communication and relationship‑building abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related business software
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

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
• Rewards & Recognition Program
• Tuition Assistance