Processing Manager

fairlife, LLC; Coopersville (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid Time Off

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

fairlife, LLC is seeking a Processing Manager based in Coopersville. In this role, you'll oversee daily product processing operations while managing the team and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 5-10 years of experience in fluid milk processing or similar. The position offers a competitive salary range of $90,000—$130,000 USD along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years' experience in Fluid Milk or Value-Added processing required.
• Working knowledge of PMO.
• Proven experience working directly with FDA/USDA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily/nightly operations of the Coopersville Product Processing Department.
• Review daily inventories and production plans.
• Ensure compliance with GMP's and Food Safety.

Skills

Process flow knowledge

Fluid mass balance

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Lean principles implementation

Ability to handle ambiguity

Education

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

Job description

Company Overview

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry-leading innovation.

Job Purpose

The Processing Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily/nightly operations of the Coopersville Product Processing Department. The Processing Manager oversees the 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.

Skills / Qualifications Required

• 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 colour‑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

Fairlife's nour!sh Program

Fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

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].