Categories : Manufacturing, Operations Management, Food Production, Supply Chain

Job Overview

The Dairy Plant Senior Operations Leader at Kroger plays a pivotal role in overseeing the efficient and safe production of dairy products across our state-of-the-art facilities. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this senior leadership position ensures operational excellence, compliance with food safety standards, and achievement of production targets while fostering a high-performance team environment. Kroger, one of America's largest grocery retailers, relies on innovative dairy operations to deliver fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, and other products to millions of customers daily.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the dairy processing plant, optimizing production lines for maximum throughput and minimal downtime.
• Ensure strict adherence to FDA, USDA, HACCP, and Kroger's quality assurance protocols to maintain product integrity and safety.
• Manage a team of 50+ associates, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and development programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
• Monitor inventory levels, supply chain logistics, and vendor relationships to support uninterrupted production.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, forecasting costs, and controlling expenses to meet financial goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, maintenance, and corporate procurement to innovate product lines.
• Implement safety programs, conduct risk assessments, and lead emergency response efforts to protect employees and assets.

Qualifications and Skills

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Operations Management, or related field, with at least 10 years of experience in dairy or food manufacturing, including 5+ years in leadership roles. Strong knowledge of pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging processes is essential. Proficiency in ERP systems like SAP and data analytics tools is required.

Why Kroger?

Join a company committed to associate growth, community impact, and sustainable practices. This role offers opportunities for advancement within Kroger's expansive manufacturing network.