Industrial Director - Cheese

La Maison du Chocolat; New Holland (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Savencia Group, AFP advanced food products LLC, is seeking an Industrial Director to lead production, quality control, and operations across cheese and dairy facilities in New Holland, PA. This role demands strategic leadership, deep experience in industrial management, and a focus on safety and continuous improvement.

You will oversee budgeting, supplier negotiations, and technology adoption to sustain high-quality output and cost efficiencies in a regulated food production environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in large-scale manufacturing operations and leadership.
• Strong understanding of production processes, quality control, and regulatory compliance in the food industry.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production planning, quality assurance, and maintenance.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality standards.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with executive management to set long-term operational goals and allocate resources for facilities and equipment upgrades.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across manufacturing functions; foster safety and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies; oversee quality control processes.
• Identify and implement new technologies to enhance production capabilities and efficiency; stay updated on industry trends.
• Develop and manage budgets for manufacturing operations; negotiate with suppliers for cost-effective procurement.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, or related field

MBA or Master’s preferred

Job description

The Industrial Director will oversee the production, quality control, and operational efficiency of our food manufacturing processes. This role requires a strategic leader with a strong background in industrial management, process optimization, and team leadership within the cheese and dairy industry.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership:

• Direct and oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production planning, quality assurance, and maintenance.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality standards.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strategic Planning:
  • Collaborate with executive management to set long-term operational goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
  • Plan and manage capital expenditures and resource allocation for production facilities and equipment upgrades.
• Team Management:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of managers and staff across various manufacturing functions.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• 
  Quality and Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
  • Oversee quality control processes and address any issues related to product quality or safety.
• Innovation and Technology:
  • Identify and implement new technologies and processes to enhance production capabilities and efficiency.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to drive innovation within the manufacturing operations.
• Cost Management:
  • Develop and manage budgets for manufacturing operations, including cost control measures and financial performance analysis.
  • Negotiate with suppliers and vendors to achieve cost-effective procurement of materials and services.
    

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the cheese and dairy industry.

Skills:

• Proven track record of managing large-scale manufacturing operations and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of production processes, quality control, and regulatory compliance in the food industry.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in using manufacturing software and technology.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

About Us

Savencia is an international, family-based and independent food group infused with strong corporate values and a vocation: “Leading the way to better food”. With more than 26,000 employees in 38 countries, Savencia develops innovative products of high quality that are mainly commercialized in Retail and Food Service.

Groupe SAVENCIA is a major player in processing milk, international player in Premium Food Service, also presents in retailing and shops and specialized in sweet gastronomy / chocolate, charcuterie and seafood brands.

As a part of Savencia Fromage & Dairy, AFP advanced food products llc (AFP) is one of the world’s foremost foodservice, co-pack and private label manufacturer of aseptically packaged cheese sauces, puddings, dips and soups. AFP partners with companies to offer delicious products to global markets.

Headquartered in beautiful rural Pennsylvania—nestled between Lancaster and Philadelphia—AFP offers careers in at its corporate office and at all three of its strategically-located plants: New Holland, Pennsylvania; Clear Lake, Wisconsin; and Visalia, California.

More than 450 employees work together to produce an annual volume of 170,000 metric tons, using FDA-approved aseptic technology.

Every part of the AFP food production process is professional, and our enterprise seeks to establish work environments that are safe for both employees and consumers—each plant meeting GFSI-BRC certification. Historically, we have always been proud to be part of Savencia Fromage & Dairy of Paris, France, and today we maintain professional memberships in American food production organizations—GMA, CAPPS, and Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center.

AFP is always looking for qualified individuals who are interested in joining our team of problem-solvers. As a leader in aseptic food manufacturing, we are proud of our history—the collective knowledge of our forward-thinking experts, our ever-expanding customizable product line, and our reputation as a responsive, reliable, and personable company.

We depend on the strength of each employee’s contribution to the work of AFP. In an environment of mutual commitment and support, we believe AFP and its team members can make a lasting and positive impact.

Join us. Opportunities are available at each of our locations.

Job Info

• Job Identification 5909
• Job Category INDUSTRY
• Posting Date 06/29/2026, 06:03 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 158 W Jackson Street, NEW HOLLAND, 17557, US