Production Manager - Agglomeration

Production Manager - Agglomeration

Department: Zumbro

Location: Albert Lea, MN

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COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Balchem is committed to making the world a healthier place by delivering trusted, innovative, and science-based solutions for the health and nutritional needs of the world. Balchem employs approximately 1,400 employees worldwide who provide the service, quality, and technology that enables our customers to win with their customers. We have built a reputation for delivering results to all of our stakeholders. Founded in 1967, Balchem, a Maryland corporation, became a publicly-traded company in 1970 and is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol -BCPC.- Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey, and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the U.S. and Europe. The Company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Manage and coordinate all Production activities within a 24/5 manufacturing operation. Apply strong problem-solving skills to identify and correct process deviations, and implement best manufacturing practices to improve yield and increase production capacity. This role reports directly to the Plant Manager and is responsible for ensuring proper direction, interpretation of policies, and performance evaluation. Upholds and ensures compliance with all Balchem quality and safety standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead, coach, and evaluate Supervisors, Leads, and Operators across three shifts to ensure consistent performance in agglomeration processing.

• Oversee all agglomeration production activities, including equipment setup and operation, process monitoring, batching, and adherence to GMPs.

• Maintain accurate production records, inventory usage, and timekeeping; ensure all documentation complies with internal and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure the production area remains clean, organized, and aligned with sanitation standards; oversee execution of the Master Sanitation Schedule and monthly food safety inspections.

• Enforce company and OSHA safety policies, proactively identify hazards, and take corrective action to maintain a safe working environment.

• Monitor product quality by ensuring all require QA sampling and testing (moisture, temperature, bulk density, control checks) are performed accurately, documented properly, and that any deviations are escalated and addressed promptly with leadership.

• Support continuous improvement through training, cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining current knowledge of agglomeration processes and safety practices.

• Perform additional duties as assigned, while upholding all company policies related to production, safety, personnel, and equipment maintenance.

• Manage, motivate, monitor, and evaluate the performance and responsibilities of Supervisors, Leads, and Operators on their shift. Supervise Production activities including sanitation on each shift.

• Carry out mandatory responsibilities in accordance with Balchem policies and applicable laws.

• Train Operators on various equipment and processes including: agglomerators, dryer, and ingredient blending, Quality Assurance sampling and testing (moistures, temperatures, bulk densities, matching controls, etc.); good manufacturing practices, OSHA safety training, lockout/tag out, Sanitation, Master Sanitation Schedule, general housekeeping, general equipment maintenance, line cleanup/set up, and batching\

• Monitor inventories and ingredient usage; ensure all paperwork is complete (including time cards) in an accurate and timely manner; ensure the documentation is in compliance with Balchem standards

• Keep a neat, clean, and orderly work setting by completing the cleaning tasks as assigned; complete the Master Sanitation Schedule and monthly food safety inspection as necessary

• Observe safety and security procedures, determine appropriate action beyond guidelines, and report potentially unsafe conditions

• Monitor product quality to meet Company standards; report to President any deviation from scheduling or quality of service that may become a potential liability; maintain professional knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks

• Adhere to all Company policies and procedures, i.e. personnel, safety, and equipment maintenance and upkeep

• Become proficient in areas of production and safety policies and procedures (accident/injury reporting, blood borne pathogens, confined spaces, emergency evacuation, equipment operation/maintenance, hazard communication, ladders, lockout/tag out, personal protective equipment, etc.)

REQUIREMENTS:

• Engineering background with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task and prioritize.

• 5-7 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous supervisory experience, with the ability to lead a multi-shift department (3 supervisors, 3 shifts, 4 employees per shift).

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to present information clearly in small group settings.

• Demonstrated ability to motivate teams, manage conflict professionally, and hold employees accountable.

• Strong organizational, time-management, and documentation skills.

• Proficiency with computer systems, including ERP software and Microsoft Office (Excel and Word).

• Commitment to quality and process adherence, with the ability to follow production, personnel, and safety procedures.

• Dependable work ethic, including punctuality and trustworthiness.

• Ability to give and receive feedback and contribute to a positive team environment.

• Additional duties as assigned.

The expected salary range for this position is $80,000 - $100,000 a year.

IND123

Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.

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