Lead Dairy Plant Operations Manager

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a Production Manager to oversee daily fluid milk processing, filling, and packaging in a high-volume plant. Lead production teams, assure safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.

Ideal candidate has 5+ years in dairy manufacturing, strong knowledge of SQF/HACCP/FDA/USDA, and a track record of improving OEE, yields, and downtime. Proficiency with ERP/MES and Microsoft Office is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of supervisory or management experience in food or beverage manufacturing, preferably dairy.
• Strong knowledge of dairy processing operations, blending pasteurization, homogenization, and filling/packaging equipment.
• Familiarity with SQF, HACCP, FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements for fluid milk production.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced, 24/7 production environment.
• Proven track record of driving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and improving plant performance metrics (OEE, yields, downtime).
• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause problem-solving.
• Strong safety mindset with the ability to foster a culture of accountability and compliance.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments (Quality, Maintenance, Logistics, and HR).
• Proficiency in production scheduling, inventory control, and ERP/MES systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily fluid milk processing, filling, and packaging operations to meet production schedules.
• Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, FDA, USDA and all company quality and safety standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and frontline employees to build high-performing teams.
• Monitor production metrics (OEE, yields, downtime, waste) and implement improvements to achieve efficiency goals.
• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to optimize workflows and resolve production issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and root cause problem-solving.
• Maintain accurate production records, reports, and documentation in ERP/MES systems.
• Manage labor, materials, and resources to control costs while meeting customer demand.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability and employee engagement.
• Support training and cross-training efforts to strengthen workforce flexibility.
• Participate in plant planning, audits, and regulatory inspections as required.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

ERP/MES

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Business

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is seeking a Production Manager to oversee daily fluid milk processing, filling, and packaging in a high-volume plant. Lead production teams, assure safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.

Ideal candidate has 5+ years in dairy manufacturing, strong knowledge of SQF/HACCP/FDA/USDA, and a track record of improving OEE, yields, and downtime. Proficiency with ERP/MES and Microsoft Office is required.