Processing Manager

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At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis US Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Processing Manager based in Casa Grande, AZ.

The Processing Manager, will be primarily accountable for the daily management and execution of all milk-receiving and processing areas. This critical role will be responsible for achieving annual operational goals across key metrics, including safety, cost, quality, material yields, and capital projects. The Manager will provide strong guidance to optimize processing, manage daily operations, recommend manufacturing improvements, and will be specifically responsible for raw material management and the execution of the plant savings plan to enhance financial performance. Additionally, the role will include the vital responsibility of overseeing employee training and development.  The role will report to the Assistant Plant Manager.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include: 

• Enforce and apply all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) rules, including participation in risk assessments and coordinating root cause analysis for safety events.
• Ensure strict compliance with government standards (FDA, OSHA) and regulatory requirements (Good Manufacturing Practices, FSSC22000).
• Maintain and enforce hygiene and food safety rules, coordinate deviation root cause analysis, and ensure proper sampling and control practices are followed.
• Execute quality assurance programs to prevent product defects and direct process adjustments to maintain conformance with quality standards.
• Ensure the consolidation and reliability of the Mass Balance for accurate material accounting and monitor analytical equipment reliability.
• Optimize technical and financial performance of the department, partnering with the Manager and contributing to the budget process.
• Drive raw material results and actively lead the execution of the plant savings plan.
• Complete and analyze Key Performance Indicator (KPI) files and reports covering production volume, yields, quality, and efficiency.
• Coordinate activities across departments by conferring with supervisors/Managers and collaborating to enforce quality and proper equipment maintenance.
• Manage staff administrative functions (e.g., approving time records) and manage relationships with outside vendors, while also leading root cause analysis for downtime prevention.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of Processing Supervisors & Assistant Manager  in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel may be required occasionally.
• Extended or off-schedule hours may be necessary depending on the project needs
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) will be provided.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• An Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience (7 years) is required. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
• Majors in business, engineering, manufacturing, or a related field  are required.

Experience

• 4+ years of supervisor experience is preferred.
• Previous employment in a food industry setting is preferred.

Certifications and specific knowledge

• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.
• Ability to operate in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt in a changing work environment.
• Computer proficiency: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.