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United Dairy Farmers · 2 months ago

Ice Cream Production Manager

Norwood, Ohio, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

4+ years exp

United Dairy Farmers is a company focused on ice cream manufacturing, and they are seeking an Ice Cream Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations. This role involves ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement among the team.

AgricultureFood and BeverageRetail

Responsibilities

Maintain a visible, active presence on the production floor

Lead by example, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and accountability

Coach and mentor supervisors and hourly associates

Enforce plant safety rules, GMPs, PPE, and food safety regulations

Conduct audits and initiate corrective actions

Champion SQF and HACCP programs

Champion zero-injury culture and food safety; verify pre-op status, allergen controls, and sanitation releases

Ensure rapid product hold/positive release decisions with QA, close audit findings

Manage daily production schedules and minimize downtime

Chair the daily production meeting; align with Scheduling/Processing/Warehouse

Partner with Maintenance on PM/DM windows; prevent unplanned downtime

Own the production scoreboard and EOS roll-ups

Support variance reviews (yields, scrap, materials) with Finance

Validate downtime coding accuracy; track labor vs. plan (OT, agency usage)

Monitor KPIs: OEE, yield variance, schedule adherence

Ensure proper staffing and resource allocation

Translate the weekly/daily plan into hour-by-hour targets for each line; hold supervisors accountable

Direct start-up readiness (1st) and shutdown/next-day staging (2nd). Ensure FEFO material flow

Own co-pack execution: spec adherence, packaging/artwork verification, lot segregation, changeover discipline, and customer communication

Partner with QA to maintain product standards

Implement corrective and preventive actions for quality issues

Assist with CAPA meetings; leading and giving input when needed

Drive Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives

Identify cost-saving opportunities

Run weekly Top Loss reviews (downtime Pareto). Sponsor SMED kaizens

Drive reductions in start-up scrap, micro-stops, and rework

Conduct performance reviews and training

Hold supervisors accountable for team development

Partner with HR on staffing plans, attendance, progressive discipline, and retention

Co-own a 90-day training roadmap: target % cross-trained by line/skill

Qualification

Ice Cream ManufacturingFood Safety RegulationsLean ManufacturingProduction ManagementAnalytical SkillsGMP KnowledgeERP SystemsTeam OrientationCommunication SkillsOrganizational SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Required

High School Diploma/GED

Four to Six years' experience in a food production management role

Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, and possess the ability to present information to teams

Proven track record managing large teams and complex lines

Strong analytical skills

Strong team orientation

Focused on key ice cream manufacturing KPIs and financial performance; demonstrated ability to analyze team and operations to balance safety, efficiency, service and optimization

Ability to problem-solve with various levels of complexity

Demonstrated organizational skills and attention-to-detail (strong tactical execution, project management)

Ability to operate in a complex, rapidly changing environment while adhering to tight schedules

Strong organizational, problem-solving and attention to detail skills are required

Must be well-organized and able to coordinate multiple tasks and requests

Must be able to train as well as assess training needs for associates on the production floor

Knowledge of GMP, SQF, HACCP, OSHA

Flexible schedule for multiple shifts

Ability to stand for extended periods in a production environment

Capability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly

Ability to work in cold areas and adapt to temperature variations