Production Lead: Safety-First Operations Leader

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Garden City (KS); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking a hands-on production professional for our Garden City facility in Kansas. The role requires overseeing multiple production units, ensuring safety, GMP, and SQF compliance while optimizing line efficiency and cost controls.

You will manage shifts, train and mentor staff, and coordinate with QA/ maintenance teams to ensure product quality and smooth operations. A background in dairy production and SAP familiarity is preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED; Associates degree preferred.
• Experience: 1 year in production/manufacturing; 3 years in manufacturing/production emphasized.
• Knowledge: SAP systems familiarity; ability to lead a work group and operate a forklift.
• Skills: Strong English communication, mathematical and analytical abilities, proactive problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Understand and support safety as the first priority.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and regulations.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF and related quality/sanitation programs.
• Oversee production shifts, manage line flow and equipment (evaporator, dryer, HTST, RO).
• Monitor waste and costs, seek cost-reduction opportunities, and safeguard company assets.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and promote teamwork across departments.

Skills

Safety leadership

Cost control

Team leadership

English communication

Problem solving

Quality assurance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates Degree or two years of college

Tools

SAP

Forklift operation

Job description

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking a hands-on production professional for our Garden City facility in Kansas. The role requires overseeing multiple production units, ensuring safety, GMP, and SQF compliance while optimizing line efficiency and cost controls.

You will manage shifts, train and mentor staff, and coordinate with QA/ maintenance teams to ensure product quality and smooth operations. A background in dairy production and SAP familiarity is preferred.