Production Lead

Dairy Farmers of America; Arkansas; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is seeking a capable supervisor-level professional to assist with directing daily production and resources across shifts. You will lead a team, train staff, and ensure adherence to quality standards and safety procedures in a dairy facility.

The role emphasizes maximizing equipment efficiency, maintaining sanitary conditions, and timely documentation of any production deviations. Strong leadership and English communication are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 4+ years of manufacturing/production experience, preferably in dairy or consumer goods.
• Demonstrated leadership attributes.

Responsibilities

• Assist supervisor in directing daily production activities and resources.
• Lead a shift and ensure quality production, training, and relief coverage.
• Maximize equipment efficiency and minimize turn-around times.
• Maintain GMP, HACCP, safety and plant policies and procedures.
• Support safety priority and maintain sanitary food environment.
• Document and report reasons when targets are not met.
• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and peers; handle priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

English proficiency

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

4+ years manufacturing/production experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Assist the supervisor in directing the activities and resources of daily production including work assignments, training, break, and vacation relief for production operations positions. Lead a shift while ensuring production of a quality product and complete all assigned master sanitation tasks. Maximize efficiency of all equipment while minimizing turn-around times. Maintain compliance of all GMP, HACCP, safety, and all other regulatory and plant policies and procedures. Achieve all production goals or report and document all reasons targets are not met. Promote safety, maintain a sanitary food environment, and strive to improve product quality.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the supervisor in directing the activities and resources of daily production including work assignments, training, break, and vacation relief for production operations positions
• Assist production shifts in the absence of the supervisor
• Understand each step of product flow for assigned area or through the entire facility and aid in training new and current employees
• Perform all duties of an operator (e.g., maintain records, operate, shutdown, and clean all equipment)
• Fill in for vacationing, sick, or otherwise vacant production positions, with little or no notice at times; department to be determined by plant needs within the scheduled shift (as possible)
• Understand and support safety as the priority
• Ensure all product produced is within accepted specifications
• Verify equipment is running within accepted parameters
• Monitor compliance with all company policies, local, state, and federal regulations
• Follow and ensure all GMP, HACCP, safety, and all plant documentation and regulatory policies and procedures are followed by others. Report any nonconformance to supervisor or manager
• Demonstrate good judgment in safeguarding customer, company, vendor, and employee information
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with customers, vendors, employees, and peers
• Handle difficult situations diplomatically
• Consistently show the ability to recognize and deal with priorities
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, identify opportunities to improve processes
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 4+ years of manufacturing/production experience, preferably in the dairy or consumer goods industry, coupled with demonstrated leadership attributes
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office products and company computer systems
• Able to demonstrate leadership qualities as a self-starter and able to set direction
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to assist others on more complicated aspects of their job in a safe and helpful manner
• Able to follow directions and meet deadlines
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans