Whey Production Manager

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

Whey Production Manager

Position Summary

The Whey Production Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and operation of the Whey/Bi-Products Department. This position oversees production activities, provides leadership to employees and supervisors, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures department goals related to safety, quality, production, cost, and customer service are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Whey/Bi-Products Department.
• Lead, coach, and develop Whey Supervisors, employees, and support staff.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and improve manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and product quality in partnership with Plant Management, Maintenance, Technical Services, and Quality Assurance.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to plan and implement capital projects and maintenance activities.
• Ensure customer expectations are met regarding product quality, performance, cost, and timely shipment.
• Develop the annual departmental budget in partnership with the Plant Manager and monitor departmental costs against budget objectives.
• Develop and manage daily and weekly production schedules.
• Promote and enforce safety programs, policies, and procedures to help prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation requirements, food safety standards, and quality procedures.
• Lead troubleshooting, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives through team collaboration and on-the-floor leadership.
• Complete and maintain required production, quality, sanitation, scheduling, accident, and investigation documentation.
• Administer and enforce company policies and procedures in partnership with Human Resources.
• Coach and counsel employees as appropriate and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Maintain an approachable and accessible leadership presence for employees.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Maintain safe and quality-conscious work practices and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Support Saputo's vision and goals while considering the best interests of employees, customers, and patrons.
• Maintain professionalism and positively represent Saputo.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
• Ensure compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety guidelines to support the production of safe, high-quality food products.
• Support Saputo's environmental commitments by following established environmental policies and procedures and reporting potential environmental hazards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field from a four-year college or university.
• Minimum of five years of related experience in a supervisory or management role.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Leadership & Supervisory Experience
• Experience leading and developing supervisors and employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to effectively plan, assign, and direct work; coach employees; address concerns; and resolve workplace issues.
• Experience supporting interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, and employee development.
• Communication Skills
• Ability to read and interpret business, technical, professional, and regulatory information.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and communicate with employees, management, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts, including percentages, ratios, proportions, probability, and statistical principles, to practical situations.
• Computer & Technical Skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related business applications.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and project software.
• Familiarity with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and AutoCAD is preferred.
• Work Environment

This position works in a manufacturing environment and may frequently be exposed to moving mechanical equipment and electrical hazards. The employee may occasionally be exposed to wet or humid conditions, elevated work areas, airborne particles, chemicals, outdoor weather, and temperature extremes. The noise level is typically moderate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to handle or operate equipment and materials. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach, talk, and hear and may occasionally be required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds . The position also requires close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.