Processing Manager

Fairlife; Camden (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with up to 9% employer match

Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000

Paid Time Off

Wellness reimbursement up to $500

Job summary

Fairlife in Camden, Michigan is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the daily and nightly operations of the Product Processing Department. This role involves managing staff, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality programs, and developing production reports.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field, along with 5-10 years of experience in fluid milk processing. The position includes comprehensive benefits and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in Fluid Milk or Value-Added processing required.
• Ability to work all shifts including off shifts.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Product Processing Department.
• Manage processing teams and coordinate with Material/Scheduling Manager.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Quality programs.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Lean Principles Implementation

Process Flow Knowledge

FDA/USDA Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Food Science, or Dairy Science

Job description

Job Purpose

Responsible for overseeing the daily/nightly operations of the Coopersville Product Processing Department. Oversees supervisory staff and implements operations programs and policies.

Responsibilities

• Review daily inventories and the daily production plan with the Material/Scheduling Manager, develop production and efficiency reports, and coordinate schedule demands with staff and product movement personnel
• Accountable for third party Food Safety and GMP audits/results as well as internal Quality and Food Safety programs
• Review plant quality through the review of microbiology test results, investigation and eradication of high or repeat area or product counts
• Review product and equipment specifications to ensure conformance to product specifications are realized
• Review all nonconforming product or ingredients with Quality Assurance Manager
• Monitor processing department throughout shift and assure employee compliance with GMP’s, sanitation, and safety. Review daily audit reports
• Verify that all plant processing equipment is in good working condition and all preventative maintenance is being performed on a scheduled basis by reviewing Preventive Maintenance schedules with the Maintenance Manager
• Review all work orders and daily maintenance reports
• Manage processing department’s budget within financial guidance
• Manage processing teams on different days and schedules
• Perform other duties as necessary

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Food Science, or Dairy Science preferred, with proven knowledge of process flow and fluid mass balance
• 5-10 years’ experience in Fluid Milk or Value-Added processing required
• Working knowledge of PMO
• Proven experience working directly with FDA/USDA and/or other Federal/State regulatory agencies
• Proven experience working in a 24/7 operation with customers both upstream (Producers) and downstream (Packaging and Supply Chain)
• Ability to implement fundamental Lean Principles including 5S
• Ability to meet production schedules with shifting priorities
• Understanding of basic CIP operations, functionality and chemistry
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the business
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills
• Ability to work all shifts including off shifts
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment

Food Safety Requirements

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color‑coded container policy while in the Production Areas
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work‑life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work‑life support
• Company‑paid life insurance and short‑term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups
• Our manufacturing facilities are climate‑controlled and a pristine work environment

Base pay range: $90,000 – $130,000 USD

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job‑related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [e-mail].