Production Manager

JOB TITLE: Production Manager (1st Shift)

FUNCTION: Operations (Hilbert)                      

REPORTS TO: Plant Manager

LOCATION: Hilbert, Wisconsin

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961. Today, we’re continuing our growth in the U.S. and looking for a dynamic Production Manager to lead and empower our Production Supervisors and frontline teams at our Hilbert, WI facility.

If you are a confident, hands‑on leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments and enjoys coaching teams, solving complex challenges, and elevating performance, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a values‑driven organization.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

As our Production Manager, you are the operational heartbeat of our facility. You will guide Production Supervisors and Leads, cultivate a safety-first culture, and ensure we deliver the highest-quality products to our customers on time, every time.

Your leadership will directly influence team engagement, plant performance, and our continued success.

In this critical role, you will:

• Lead, coach, and develop Production Supervisors and frontline employees to build a high-performing culture.
• Ensure daily production plans, schedules, and customer orders are executed with precision.
• Partner closely with Quality Assurance to uphold HACCP, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reinforce SOP adherence across shifts.
• Track, communicate, and improve key metrics such as OEE, plan attainment, waste, and safety performance.
• Troubleshoot workforce and equipment challenges and support supervisors in problem resolution.
• Oversee workflow planning, including changeovers, break schedules, and daily floor decisions.
• Lead or support safety investigations, risk assessments, and HACCP meetings.
• Provide performance feedback, conduct reviews, and partner with HR on corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement and encourage employee engagement in operational excellence.
• Role model Ornua’s values through collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to quality.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Proven leadership skills, with experience coaching and motivating supervisors and frontline teams.
• Strong communication abilities—clear, direct, respectful, and effective across all functions.
• Exceptional problem-solving capabilities supported by sound analysis and quick decision-making.
• High personal drive, ownership, and accountability in achieving production goals.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Skill in analyzing production data and communicating insights.
• Solid understanding of food manufacturing operations, equipment, and safety practices.
• Experience managing training documentation, workforce records, and compliance systems.
• A collaborative, customer-focused mindset with strong cross-functional partnerships.
• Commitment to safety, food quality, and a culture where teams feel supported and valued.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years of leadership experience supervising production teams.
• Required: Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing with direct supervision of production employees.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Dairy or cheese manufacturing experience is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of state and federal food manufacturing regulations.
• Experience interviewing, onboarding, developing, and retaining employees.
• Familiarity with sanitary design, allergen controls, labeling requirements, and inventory systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and multi-tasking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production systems.

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.  Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at 833-450-2385 or peopleservicesus@ornua.com. 

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system. 

E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.