Job Information
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. Assistant Plant Director-Evap in Batavia, New York
Description
The Assistant Plant Director is a key operational leader responsible for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the plant’s processing, batching, packaging, and quality operations. This role supports the Director of Milk Balancing & Fluid Plant Operations in executing strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, and leading teams to achieve excellence in safety, quality, service, and cost.
The Assistant Plant Director fosters a culture of accountability, communication, and transparency (ACT), driving continuous improvement, innovation, and workforce development across all production functions.
The Assistant Plant Director is accountable for the deployment and management of the Seven for Success program, driving and improvement strategy and ensuring the successful tracking of plant performance.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Oversee all operations within the specialty beverage RTD packaging and Evaporated milk lines.
Establish, review, and execute plans for production outputs, labor effectiveness, material efficiency, and cost management.
Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, PMO, SQF, HACCP, and customer-specific standards.
Lead the site Maintenance team in managing plant reliability processes and R&M spend utilizing a TPM strategy.
Ensure facilities and equipment are optimally operated, maintained, and improved to meet operational requirements.
Strategic Planning & Optimization
Define and recommend objectives for plant operations in alignment with company strategy.
Partner with leadership on capacity planning, capital projects, and adoption of new technologies.
Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational efficiencies and reduce waste.
Use operational data and KPIs to analyze performance, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
People Leadership & Culture
Direct, develop, and retain production and Maintenance staff through performance management, succession planning, and training.
Foster a culture of accountability, open communication, innovation, and continuous improvement at all levels.
Ensure efficient staffing, workforce engagement, and adherence to company policies.
Champion ACT (Accountability, Communication, Transparency) principles across the plant.
Financial & Performance Management
Assist in managing budgets, cost controls, and financial reporting for the plant.
Develop annual operating plans, performance goals, and balanced scorecard metrics.
Identify and implement cost savings and process improvement initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, HR, Finance, and Corporate Leadership to align operational performance with strategic goals.
Support workforce development, innovation, and succession planning across all operational teams.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
7 + years of food or dairy manufacturing experience with at least 5 years in management.
Deep expertise in milk balancing, evaporation, and RTD beverage blending.
Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, food safety, and quality systems (PMO, SQF, HACCP).
Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams with strong interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence skills.
Proficiency in ERP systems, production analytics, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Work Environment
High-volume, fast-paced dairy and beverage processing facility.
Exposure to wet, cold, and noisy environments with fluctuating temperatures.
Must be able to climb stairs, walk and stand for extended periods, and occasionally work extended shifts or weekends.
Travel required: Less than 15%.
Confidentiality
The Assistant Plant Director will have access to confidential company information regarding product development, strategic business plans, and operational performance. Strict confidentiality is required.
Pay: $160,000 -$180,000 $ a year*
*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.