ABOUT AMPI:

AMPI owns eight Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation's American-type cheese, processed cheese and butter is produced. The cooperative's award-winning cheese, butter and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled buttermakers and cheesemakers.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Production Supervisor is responsible for the technical aspects of cheese and whey manufacturing and the distribution process. Responsible for producing product that meets all specifications of the customer, at the best possible cost. Supervise staff and create a team-based environment that encourages open communication, accountability, quality products, safe work practices and productivity.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time:

1. Directly supervise cheese/whey department employees to operate in accordance with safety, quality, company policies and regulatory requirements.
2. Will be the liaison for the production floor software controls, in assisting with system performance issues and training operators.
3. Identifies and works with other resources to resolve problems in a timely manner.
4. Assure employee compliance with policies, records and procedures and initiate corrective action when necessary, with assistance from Plant Operations Manager and HR.
5. Ability to react well under pressure. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Accepts responsibility for own actions and follows through on commitments.
6. Set clear expectations and maintain good housekeeping and cleanup of equipment throughout the work area.
7. Order all ingredients and supplies.
8. Work closely with suppliers to best schedule deliveries of these products.
9. Coordinate production schedules to meet milk supplies and sales needs.
10. Interact with various members of management to help coordinate department activities with other activities throughout the plant.
11. Assist Plant Operations Manager with the long-term planning for the department.
12. Develop and monitor the plant starter program.
13. Monitor all quality aspects of the cheese and whey operations. Make necessary changes as needed.
14. Establish SOPs and monitor compliance and effectiveness.
15. Monitor coolers and the curing of the finished product.
16. Grade and approve finished product for shipment to ensure customer specifications are being met.
17. Provide necessary information to other plants.
18. Ensure the accuracy of shipping information.
19. Monitor cheese yields, moistures and butterfat losses in order to obtain maximum benefit.
20. Participate in direct supervision of the cheese operation as scheduled by the Plant Operations Manager, including coverage for weekends, vacations and other periods as assigned.
21. Interact with customers on quality complaints or other matters related to the finished product, including routine grading visits with customers to ensure it meets their functionality requirements.
22. Perform routine inspections of the plant equipment and facilities.
23. Serve as a source of technical expertise with in the plant, and participate in outside seminars, meetings and training sessions to stay current with the latest technology.
24. Assists with training new employees.
25. Other duties as assigned.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Dairy Manufacturing preferred.
• Preferred 2 to 4 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Food manufacturing, material handling and forklift operation experience preferred.
• Prior experience in the dairy or cheese industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP's, OSHA and loss control programs highly desirable.
• Technical knowledge of fluid milk, cheese and drying operations preferred.
• Prior experience in manufacturing is a plus.

BENEFITS/REWARDS:

AMPI offers competitive starting pay, PTO, 401k, short-term disability, health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs and more.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Military and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Team Player - Works well as a member of a group
Leader - Inspires teammates to follow them
Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Enthusiastic - Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Dedicated - Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Work-Life Balance - Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work
Job Security - Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
Growth Opportunities - Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Associates (preferred)
High School (required)

Manufacturing (preferred)
Dairy or Cheese Industry (preferred)
2 - 4 years: Leadership role (preferred)

SQF Certification (preferred)
HACCP Certification (preferred)