Processing Manager

job purpose: 

The Processing Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily/nightly operations of the Coopersville Product Processing Department. The Processing Manager oversees the supervisory staff, and implements operations programs and policies 

responsibilities:  

• Review daily inventories and the daily production plan with the Material/Scheduling Manager, develop production and efficiency reports, and coordinate schedule demands with staff and product movement personnel 

• Accountable for third party Food Safety and GMP audits/results as well as internal Quality and Food Safety programs 

• Review plant quality through the review of microbiology test results, investigation and eradication of high or repeat area or product counts 

• Review product and equipment specifications to ensure conformance to product specifications are realized 

• Review all nonconforming product or ingredients with Quality Assurance Manager 

• Monitor processing department throughout shift and assure employee compliance with GMP’s, sanitation, and safety. Review daily audit reports 

• Verify that all plant processing equipment is in good working condition and all preventative maintenance is being performed on a scheduled basis by reviewing Preventive Maintenance schedules with the Maintenance Manager 

• Review all work orders and daily maintenance reports 

• Manage processing department’s budget within financial guidance 

• Manage processing teams on different days and schedules 

• Perform other duties as necessary 

skills/qualifications required:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Food Science, or Dairy Science preferred, with proven knowledge of process flow and fluid mass balance 

• 5-10 years’ experience in Fluid Milk or Value-Added processing required 

• Working knowledge of PMO 

• Proven experience working directly with FDA/USDA and/or other Federal/State regulatory agencies 

• Proven experience working in a 24/7 operation with customers both upstream (Producers) and downstream (Packaging and Supply Chain) 

• Ability to implement fundamental Lean Principles including 5S 

• Ability to meet production schedules with shifting priorities 

• Understanding of basic CIP operations, functionality and chemistry 

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the business 

• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills 

• Ability to work all shifts including off shifts 

• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment 

 

food safety requirements:  

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety. 

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas. 

• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company. 

• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system. 

• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system. 

• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected. 

• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required. 

position location: Coopersville, MI 

reports to: Sr. Processing Manager 

travel requirements: <5% 

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt