Plant Manager, Processing & Powder

RiseMe; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) in Stanislaus County’s Turlock South plant seeks a Plant Manager Processing & Powder to oversee the daily operation of the Milk Receiving, Wastewater, Powder, & Processing Plants. The role focuses on safety, quality, production planning, and team development within a dairy manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will lead continuous improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage maintenance and training programs to support high-efficiency production.

Qualifications

• Leadership and people management experience in a dairy/manufacturing setting.
• Strong communication and operational planning skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and drive continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of food safety programs and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in safety, quality, and process control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Milk Receiving, Wastewater, Powder, and Processing Plants.
• Review inventories, production reports, and run times; coordinate with Site Director.
• Ensure safety rules are followed and PPE is used.
• Lead training, coaching, and performance evaluations for staff.
• Verify equipment is maintained and preventive maintenance is performed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Team management

Safety compliance

Education

BS in Dairy or Food Science

Job description

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world.Situated in Stanislaus County, our Turlock South manufacturing plant specializes in the production of butter and milk powder. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!

Our commitment to CDI employees:

We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offercompetitivepayandincentiveprogramsdesigned to recognize and reward your contributions.Competitive medical,dental, and vision benefits,generous paid time off, sick days & holidays,retirement plansdesigned to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on yourpersonal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.

Job Summary

The Plant Manager Processing & Powder is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the Milk Receiving, Wastewater, Powder, & Processing Plants.

Essential Functions

Review daily inventories and assist Production Superintendent in planning daily run times.

• Attend daily staff meetings with Site Director to coordinate daily production activities for Milk Receiving, Wastewater, Powder, & Processing Department.
• Must obtain medical clearance to use a respirator and maintain certification.
• Review daily production efficiencies and production reports.
• Review microbiology test results daily anddirect further investigation of high counts.
• Review list of any out-of-spec product with Plant Superintendent and Quality Assurance Manager.
• Review daily report of audits.

• Review CIP records daily and schedule CIP procedures
• Audit sampling techniques and sanitation practices.
• Provide training and evaluations as needed.
• Verify that all plant equipment is in good working condition and all preventative maintenance is being performed on a scheduled basis.
• Forward all work orders to the Maintenance Manager for approval.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.
• Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
• Follow and enforce all safety and working rules.
• Must have the ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies and working rules while ensuring a harmonious and conducive work environment.
• Maintain a positive attitude and contribute towards a quality environment.
• Excellent regular full-time attendance in support of company objectives.
• Use initiative and judgment in making decisions, keeping with California Dairies, Inc. best interests.

• Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Lead:

• Clearly communicate the company's vision & goals and how the team's work contributes to them.
• Set a positive example through their own work ethic, attitude, and commitment to quality.
• Develop and empower team members by delegating tasks effectively and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Guide:

• Provide clear instructions and expectations, along with the “why”, for tasks and projects.
• Offer regular feedback and coaching to help team members improve their skills and performance.
• Foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose, emphasizing that the team is stronger together.

Support:

• Recognize and celebrate team accomplishments and individual contributions.
• Advocate for the team's needs and concerns, up, down, and across the organization.
• Encourage and support the team to challenge the status quo, to identify and suggest process improvements, and to embrace innovation.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• College-level verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to communicate with upper management on a daily basis.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.
• Demonstrated ability to balance and achieve positive results in the areas of quality, safety, productivity, cost, and employee relations.
• Leadership, team development, coaching, and/or teaching experience.
• Good math and statistical skills.
• Excellent computer skills for data input, report writing, and program tracking.
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills.
• Must demonstrate good judgment when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• A BS degree in Dairy or Food Science; or an equivalent combination of education and experience are required.
• 5 or more years of previous management experience in food or dairy manufacturing

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must possess or be able to obtain California State Pasteurizers License and California State Sampler's and Weigher's License.

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to: hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks and sits during completion of job responsibilities.
• Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.
• Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.
• Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.
• Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections, and other related job requirements.
• Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.
• Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

The pay range is listed below and represents a good faith estimate upon hire. The final offer will depend on factors such as the candidates experience, skills, and qualifications.