Cooler Manager
Dean Foods

Job Info

Leads plant operations (cooler or production) to meet or exceed plant budget and company goals. Maintains a positive and productive workforce through effective leadership. Ensures that the highest standards of safety and quality are upheld.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leads and coordinates the activities of production/cooler supervisors, dispatchers/expediters, and other plant employees engaged in the production or load out of dairy products to ensure safety, quality, cost and customer standards are met. Responsible for overall plant operations in Plant Manager's absence.
- Ensures that production/cooler supervisors work effectively with unionized employees to promote positive and productive working relationships. Assists supervisors in effectively applying work rules, union contract provisions, and employment policies. Ensures that discipline is administered consistently and fairly. Coaches others in conflict resolution to avoid grievances. Works with Human Resources and Plant Manager to resolve employee grievances when filed.
- Initiates personnel actions such as promotions, transfers, discharges, and disciplinary measures. Reviews actions brought forth by production/cooler supervisors. Evaluates union employees on successful completion of probationary periods.
- Coaches and partners with non-union direct reports to effectively manage performance. Communicates company and cascading goals and assists performers in establishing goals that align with department and company goals. Provides on-going performance feedback and conducts performance conversations per Kemps' Performance Management process. Holds direct reports accountable for results and works with them to cultivate capabilities and utilize strengths.
- Oversees and coordinates the development and maintenance of work practices and standard operating procedures. Accountable for plant compliance with same. Personally develops complex or non-routine procedures for work process changes, new products, and new equipment.
- Understands and fulfills the requirements of SQF 2000 Level 3 code of regulation for food safety and quality. Manages policies, procedures and programs related to operations. Fosters continuous improvement to maintain the SQF 2000 Level 3 certification.
- Actively promotes safe work behaviors and holds self and direct reports accountable for following safety rules and regulations. Conducts accident/injury investigations and sends reports of injury to HR in a timely manner to meet rapid reporting standards. May coordinate and/or facilitate plant safety meetings, training, and incentive programs.
- May be responsible for monitoring the intake procedures of raw dairy products, ensuring high quality standards are met and product shortages are avoided. May be responsible for ordering dairy products.
- May be responsible for supervising clean-up operations to obtain optimum production and utilization of manpower, machines, and equipment. May coordinate production activities with procurement, maintenance, and quality assurance.
- May be responsible for the identification of damaged and erroneously delivered orders. May work with supervisors and cooler employees to correct shortages or discrepancies in product stock levels.
- Performs other responsibilities as determined by business needs.

- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration Food Science Technology, or Engineering with emphasis on manufacturing operations and 5 years of experience in dairy production and/or warehouse management with at least 3 years supervisory experience in a production environment, preferred.
- HS Diploma/GED and 10 years experience in dairy production and/or warehouse management with at least 3 years supervisory experience in a production environment, will also be considered.
- Working knowledge of union contract and obligations and ability to work effectively with bargaining unit employees.
- Strong working knowledge of general business concepts and practices, especially as they relate to the dairy business.
- Strong knowledge of required sanitary practices related to food products.
- Strong working knowledge of dairy industry production practices, processes, and equipment.
- Ability to demonstrate professional oral and written skills as well as leadership and change management skills.
- Proficient in basic PC skills, Auto CAD, Excel, Word and other programs as required.

An Equal Opportunity Employer