DFA Rotational Program - Operations, Engineering, Quality (2027 Program)

Job DescriptionThis position is part of the Experience program, a rotational program for graduates aspiring to a career in manufacturing. In this role, the Rotational Operations Analyst will rotate through various functions such as manufacturing, engineering, quality and process technology over approximately a two-year timeframe beginning in 2027. This program is designed to offer experience, education and exposure to prepare an individual for a future role in manufacturing.Location: This program offers rotations across various manufacturing plant locations. Potential locations may include Missouri, Minnesota, New Mexico, Kansas, California, Colorado, or Pennsylvania. These are examples only and are not guaranteed. Rotation locations will be determined based on business needs.Job Duties and Responsibilities:Visit a DFA farm to gain basic dairy farming knowledge and experienceMeet with cross-functional experts to further understand the business and the Cooperative Work on various plant shifts to gain insight into the manufacturing process, opportunities, and challengesComplete a manufacturing project using educational experience Participate in review of production costs, rework meeting, and/or analyticsParticipate in on ideation, package design, problem-solving, etc., meetingsUtilize systems throughout rotation, including Power BI, Salesforce, PCM, genesis, trace gains, SharePoint, etc., to analyze data and produce metrics. Produce reports, provide analytics, and build capability around data analysis and critical thinkingParticipate in a customer audit in plant (understanding of quality, regulatory etc.)Prepare and send samples for customers. Understand how to maintain sample and raw material inventoryParticipate in a customer call, such as a prospecting call or complaint resolution Complete a continuous improvement (CI) project involving influenceRun dryer; understand science and methodology to spray drying, blending, etc.Work on a new product project, commercialization and scale up Prepare and present report on project results and next stepsAssist with new product scale-ups at manufacturing facilities and/or scale up at customer facility where product is usedAttend industry workshop training, such as cheese-making, spray drying, dry blending etc. Complete OSHA, environmental, ECO lab, and IDFA training coursesShadow Plant Supervisor, Plant Manager, and Director of Operations Act in a supervisory role (once leadership training is complete)Review disciplinary issues with operations leaderDeliver constructive feedback Participate in the interview and selection processOnboard new hires, including 30/60/90 day check insCoordinate staffingResearch new ingredient process technologiesShadow the controls team and assist in conducting costing and data analysisTroubleshoot quality issues in collaboration with food safety & quality team Assist in the capital management process Understand and utilize engineering standardsWork with manufacturing, maintenance and engineering leaders to improve plant reliabilitySit in on sales and operations planning (S&OP) and procurement meetings to understand how to schedule product, get bids, and interact with vendorsRotations may be available at cheese, taste & flavor and dairy powders locations around the countryThe 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.Job RequirementsEducation and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Manufacturing, engineering, or related field required Internship experience preferredCertification and/or license – N/AKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesStrong leadership abilitiesSelf-starting and disciplined Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneouslyCreative outlook with strong communication skills Ability to be adaptable and flexibleProficient in Microsoft Office products Ability to communicate with other departments cross-functionally Must be able to read, write and speak EnglishTravel: 15% - 25% (1 - 2 times per quarter)An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/VeteransJob DetailsJob Type: Full TimeCategory: Manufacturing