ISU Creamery Production Manager

Position Information:

Position Title:
ISU Creamery Production Manager

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:
B.S. degree or equivalent in Food Science, Dairy Science, Engineering, or related field.
Relevant knowledge and experience in food and/or dairy manufacturing. 

Job Description:

The ISU Creamery is seeking a Production Manager to oversee dairy products processing in the micro-creamery. This is a hands-on position with supervisory and administrative duties and responsibilities.

The successful candidate will lead a productive, dynamic team of student staff in a vibrant educational environment. The candidate in this position must be able to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

The Production Manager will:

• Hire, train, and lead team of student production staff (approx. 15 students): assign and monitor work, coach and develop student staff as well as institute disciplinary action, as warranted
• Demonstrate a passion to train and develop student staff with a variety of backgrounds to be successful in their chosen career path
• Manage production planning/scheduling, inventory management, plant sanitation and product distribution
• Create and manage food quality programs; dairy processing systems and equipment; food safety programs and other related food manufacturing topics (SOPs, GMPs, SSOPs)
• Procure ingredients and supplies required for production runs
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies (IDALS) for inspections, sanitation validation tests, and finished product sample pulls for testing.
• Represent the ISU Creamery and ISU by leading tours and giving presentations, as needed
• Innovate processes in production to improve efficiencies while challenging students to think critically and independently
• Troubleshoot complex problems in a team-oriented environment
• Assist with pricing exercises to ensure procurement of best-priced supplies
• Assist with running workshops provided for external customers
• Assist with reporting and analyzing production metrics
• Demonstrate strong communications skills, including one-on-one conversations and holding small production team meetings.
• Functionally use a computer including basic command of Microsoft Office Suite is required.

The position reports directly to the ISU Creamery Director and will focus primarily on providing manufacturing and operations support to improve the overall operation. This position will participate as a key member of the ISU Creamery Management Team. An enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to adapt quickly to changing needs of the business will be needed to be successful in this position. The position may also support the business, sales, and customer service needs of the ISU Creamery, as well as the educational mission of the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Human Sciences.

Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

November 28, 2025

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS807

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:
October 21, 2022

Posting Close Date:
November 10, 2022

Job Requisition Number:
R10103