Position Summary

At Jasper Hill, our strength is our drive to be the standard bearer for quality and innovation in the artisan cheese industry. The Production Manager will manage the day-to-day operations of the creamery at the Food Venture Center (FVC) in Hardwick, VT as well as ensure operations fit within the larger Jasper Hill mission.  This is a rare opportunity to work with the Jasper Hill leadership team to lay the foundation for our next stage of growth.  The FVC Production Manager will strive to improve quality, lead food safety, and maintain optimal efficiency.  Through leadership, the ideal candidate will promote and maintain a positive, forward thinking workplace and inspire staff and guard the values of the Jasper Hill Family of Businesses. The ideal candidate is ambitious and performance-oriented with exceptional people skills. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Organize and oversee aspects of operations (production scheduling, receiving, inventory, documentation...)
• Organize workflow to meet specifications and deadlines
• Participate in cheesemaking while leading daily operations 
• Lead trainer for all things food safety
• Support GSFI certification 
• Employee management through performance reviews, to ensure an engaged and skilled workforce and a strong talent bench (12-15 direct reports)
• Analyze current operational processes and performance, recommending solutions for continuous improvement to reduce costs/waste
• Implement new company policies and ensure current polices are followed

 Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Food Industry Experience 4+ years (cheesemaking preferred)
• HTST experience preferred
• HACCP/food safety knowledge
• Attention to detail with a critical timeframe
• LEAN Manufacturing
• Effective Management Tools
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills 

 Physical Requirements

Working in a manufacturing environment, you will be walking, standing and engaging in movement throughout the day, and occasionally to frequently be required to lift items weighing up to 30 lbs. Certain duties also may involve, a variety of physical activities including bending, lifting, stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms above shoulders and head, standing, working in enclosed areas. The noise level in the work environment can vary but noise is usually low to moderate.  At times, you may be required to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety gloves, hearing protection, a respirator or dust mask, protective footwear and protective clothing or uniforms. Work may be performed in cold and/or hot temperatures and the environment can be dusty. Physical requirements further include the ability to engage in productive and collaborative communication with co-workers and work may need to be performed during non-standard hours, including nights and weekends. The company engages in an interactive process to review requests for reasonable accommodations that may be needed to allow qualified individuals with disabilities to perform all the essential functions of the position. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to the hiring manager.