Lead Production & Operations Manager

Oakhurst Dairy; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DFA Milk in Maine seeks an experienced operations leader to manage daily production activities, supervise supervisors and staff, and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. You will direct recruitment, performance evaluations, and discipline within HR policies, while driving cost efficiency and effective communication across shifts.

Responsibilities include developing SOPs, overseeing safety programs, and coordinating with plant leadership on policies and improvements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred.
• 5 to 8 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing.
• Supervisory or management experience.
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operational activities of supervisors and production staff to ensure customer orders are received, scheduled, and produced at the lowest possible cost while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Analyze operations and metrics to maintain high quality and safety, and seek efficiency improvements.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained for all operational activities.
• Report deficiencies to plant leadership and resolve operational issues.
• Assist in development and implementation of safety programs.
• Ensure adherence to regulations and company policies by supervisors and employees; interpret where necessary.
• Conduct meetings with department management to communicate policies and issues affecting operations.
• Maintain readiness for plant inspections by authorized agencies.
• Monitor inventory levels and approve purchases as appropriate.
• Prepare reports and records for management review.
• Manage assigned employees: recruitment, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management; administer discipline consistently.
• Communicate with employees through shift meetings; promote positive relations.
• Maintain safe working conditions and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Follow GMP and all company regulatory, food safety, sanitation requirements.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

English proficiency

Independent judgment

Change management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Company computer systems

Job description

DFA Milk in Maine seeks an experienced operations leader to manage daily production activities, supervise supervisors and staff, and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. You will direct recruitment, performance evaluations, and discipline within HR policies, while driving cost efficiency and effective communication across shifts.

Responsibilities include developing SOPs, overseeing safety programs, and coordinating with plant leadership on policies and improvements.