SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING

AMPI owns seven 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.

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. Collaborate with Division Management to streamline plant processes and operations, ensuring alignment with overarching organizational goals.
2. Maintain fiscal responsibility within approved budgets while devising and implementing cost-saving strategies that boost overall profitability and revenue growth.
3. Perform in-depth operational analyses to assess company and staff performance, identify opportunities for cost reduction, improve processes, and enhance policies.
4. Develop and adapt strategic initiative to meet organizational objectives while proactively responding to evolving market dynamics.
5. Direct strategic and capital planning of plant operations, with the following focus: improving safety protocols; enhancing operational efficiency; reducing costs associated with plant services; and delivering high quality products.
6. Oversee project management efforts by creating actionable plans, ensuring effective communication of changes, building stakeholder support, and addressing resistance.
7. Navigate competing priorities with a flexible approach to optimize outcomes, tailoring strategies to meet the specific demands of each situation.
8. Facilitate timely resolution of issues through thorough data collection and analysis, implementing practical and effective solutions.
9. Encourage a collaborative, problem-solving culture and devise innovative solutions to address complex challenges.
10. Stay informed about market trends and the competitive landscape to ensure operational initiatives align with the organization's strategic vision.
11. Effectively communicate with members and board of directors.
12. Lead and mentor Division Managers, develop talent and succession.
13. Implement lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement practices and advances technologies to enhance operational performance.
14. Foster a workplace culture centered on respect, accountability, fiscal responsibility, teamwork, quality standards, and adherence to safety protocols.

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

• Bachelor's degree in food science, manufacturing or related field
• Ten years of senior leadership experience in dairy, food production, manufacturing, industrial process and operations required.
• Technical knowledge of fluid milk, cheese and drying operations preferred.
• Maintain a valid drivers' license and must be able to travel.

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.