The Role
Lead and optimize cheese manufacturing operations across plants, overseeing production planning, quality, compliance, cost control, capital projects, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure efficient, safe, high-quality food production.
Summary Generated by Built In
The Industrial Director will oversee the production, quality control, and operational efficiency of our food manufacturing processes. This role requires a strategic leader with a strong background in industrial management, process optimization, and team leadership within the cheese and dairy industry.
ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership:
- Direct and oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production planning, quality assurance, and maintenance.
- Develop and implement strategies to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality standards.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strategic Planning:
- Collaborate with executive management to set long-term operational goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
- Plan and manage capital expenditures and resource allocation for production facilities and equipment upgrades.
- Team Management:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of managers and staff across various manufacturing functions.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Quality and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
- Oversee quality control processes and address any issues related to product quality or safety.
- Innovation and Technology:
- Identify and implement new technologies and processes to enhance production capabilities and efficiency.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to drive innovation within the manufacturing operations.
- Cost Management:
- Develop and manage budgets for manufacturing operations, including cost control measures and financial performance analysis.
- Negotiate with suppliers and vendors to achieve cost-effective procurement of materials and services.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the cheese and dairy industry.
Skills:
- Proven track record of managing large-scale manufacturing operations and leading cross-functional teams.
- Strong understanding of production processes, quality control, and regulatory compliance in the food industry.
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in using manufacturing software and technology.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Savencia is an international, family-based and independent food group infused with strong corporate values and a vocation: “Leading the way to better food”. With more than 26,000 employees in 38 countries, Savencia develops innovative products of high quality that are mainly commercialized in Retail and Food Service.
Groupe SAVENCIA consists of two entities: SAVENCIA Fromage & Dairy, a major player in processing milk and the world’s #5 cheese manufacturer with strong brands, and SAVENCIA Gourmet, an international player in Premium Food Service, also presents in retailing and shops and specialized in sweet gastronomy / chocolate, charcuterie and seafood brands.
To know more: https://www.savencia.com/
As a part of Savencia Fromage & Dairy, AFP advanced food products llc (AFP) is one of the world’s foremost foodservice, co-pack and private label manufacturer of aseptically packaged cheese sauces, puddings, dips and soups. AFP partners with companies to offer delicious products to global markets.
Headquartered in beautiful rural Pennsylvania—nestled between Lancaster and Philadelphia—AFP offers careers in at its corporate office and at all three of its strategically-located plants: New Holland, Pennsylvania; Clear Lake, Wisconsin; and Visalia, California.
More than 450 employees work together to produce an annual volume of 170,000 metric tons, using FDA-approved aseptic technology.
Every part of the AFP food production process is professional, and our enterprise seeks to establish work environments that are safe for both employees and consumers—each plant meeting GFSI-BRC certification. Historically, we have always been proud to be part of Savencia Fromage & Dairy of Paris, France, and today we maintain professional memberships in American food production organizations—GMA, CAPPS, and Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center.
AFP is always looking for qualified individuals who are interested in joining our team of problem-solvers. As a leader in aseptic food manufacturing, we are proud of our history—the collective knowledge of our forward-thinking experts, our ever-expanding customizable product line, and our reputation as a responsive, reliable, and personable company.
We depend on the strength of each employee’s contribution to the work of AFP. In an environment of mutual commitment and support, we believe AFP and its team members can make a lasting and positive impact.
Join us. Opportunities are available at each of our locations.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, or related field
- Advanced degree (MBA or Master's)
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations
- At least 5 years in a leadership role within the cheese and dairy industry
- Proven track record managing large-scale manufacturing operations and leading cross-functional teams
- Strong understanding of production processes, quality control, and regulatory compliance in the food industry
- Proficiency in using manufacturing software and technology
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
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The Company
What We Do
Groupe Savencia is an international, family-owned, and independent agri-food group with a mission of 'leading the way to better food.' The company specializes in the production of high-value-added dairy products, particularly branded soft and specialist cheeses, and also focuses on the cocoa sector. It operates as a global leader in specialist cheeses, combining entrepreneurship with a commitment to feeding people well.
