Production Manager - 1st Shift

Production ManagerSHIFT: 1st Why you will love working at Maola®: Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future. Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high-quality Maola dairy products. We prioritize your well-being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more—available within your first month. Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters. Starting Annual Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000SUMMARY The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of milk processing from raw receiving to packaging of finished goods. This role ensures all activities are conducted efficiently, safely, and in compliance with food safety regulations. The manager will lead 3 production shifts on a 24-hour operation. Focus on optimization of processes and procedures to maintain and improve efficiency. This role also will focus on product quality and plant sanitation through collaboration with other departments such as quality assurance, maintenance, and shipping and receiving.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Ensure production efficiencies are met while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.Monitors and supports execution of production schedules.Identifies issues in day-to-day activities and creates resolution while effectively communicating to relevant stakeholders.Foster a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.Assists and addresses staffing needs and ensure proper manpower allocation.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of dairy processing technologies and innovations.Leading and engaging employees in focused business and process improvement initiatives.Promoting a sense of urgency during production runs and addressing machine downtime promptly.Enforce safety protocols, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies, Good Manufacturing Policies (GMP), safety regulations, and plant documentation standards.Ensure all products meet food safety and quality specifications.Ability to identify, implement, and sustain Key Process Indicators (KPI's)Assist operators in achieving throughput by sharing data associated to KPIs.Identify root causes of underperformance and address issues effectively.Manage time and attendance records for production staff and arrange shift coverage when approving time off.Perform organoleptic testing (e.g. sensory testing with taste, smell, touch, and sight) on finished product.Other duties may be assigned.BASIC REQUIREMENTS High School Diploma, General Education Degree (GED), or a recognized international equivalent. At least 3 years or more of food manufacturing operational leadership experience. At least 3 years of experience in manufacturing and environments that use continuous improvement tools in the areas of lean manufacturing and statistics. Experience in dairy processing technologies and food safety standards preferred. Bachelor's degree preferred SAP experience preferredCOMPETENCIES Communication Accountability Customer Focused Initiative Problem-Solving CollaborationPHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-60 pounds. The employee is frequently required to perform organoleptic assessments. This requires the acute physical ability to taste, smell, see, and feel product samples to detect deviations in flavor, aroma, color, and texture. The employee must be physically able to consume and evaluate a wide variety of food ingredients, including potential allergens (e.g., dairy, wheat, soy, nuts) processed in the facility.WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids. Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions.Maola Local Dairies® is a farmer-owned cooperative sustainably producing a full suite of nutritious dairy products. Maola processes milk, cream, butter, and dry milk powders through our network of six dairy processing plants. With a keen eye on quality, freshness, and love for the environment, Maola delivers dairy products that are both nutritious and sustainable to our local communities. For more information about Maola, please visit All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.