Ice Cream Production Front Line Manager

BEN & JERRY'S

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc., started in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, USA, founded by childhood friends and dedicated activists Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. In 2000 Ben & Jerry’s became a wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever whilst maintaining an independent Board of Directors to provide leadership focused on preserving and expanding Ben & Jerry's social mission, brand integrity, and product quality. Unilever is now demerging its Ice Cream Division and establishing The Magnum Ice Cream Company, the largest global standalone Ice Cream company! Nowadays our products are distributed in 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues.

At Ben & Jerry’s we have an inspiring ambition. We aim to pioneer our ‘linked prosperity business model’ to advance the global movement for social and economic justice while growing to be a billion Euro brand. Therefore, we are expanding rapidly in Europe as well as in new markets in Asia and Latin America. This translates into a high-paced growth environment where we bring our grassroots and activist spirit every day. That is how we remain a true values-led organization with a connected 3-part mission, which you will find reflected in your goals and aspirations:

Social mission: to initiate innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally and internationally

Product mission: to make and distribute the finest quality all natural and super premium ice-cream and euphoric concoctions

Economic mission: to operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth

It takes a variety of people and disciplines to navigate this odyssey. Interested in joining our mission to fill store shelves with our ice cream?  Our Vermont Manufacturing team is currently looking for an Operations Front Line Manager to support Manufacturing Activities for our site in Waterbury, VT.

JOB PURPOSE

Our Front-Line Manager is personally responsible for overseeing production & warehousing related activities performed by approximately 25 employees on shift as well as leading Continuous Improvement related activities. This individual should have a strong background in continuous improvement methodology, such as Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, etc, in order to: drive process improvement and team development through the implementation of The Magnum Ice Cream Company techniques; establish a world class manufacturing environment in which employees have a framework of operating systems based on the methodology that guide their way of working; coordinate and/or conduct training based on the processes; and foster a cultural change towards self-directed teams. 

Key focus areas for continuous improvement will be in the realm of safety for our people and for our product, waste reduction, improved efficiency, zero defects, zero environmental loss, and customer satisfaction.  In addition, as an employee, you are encouraged, to participate in company volunteer projects, community service initiatives, and social mission teams.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

• Driving current and future manufacturing performance in the areas of Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, Delivery and Morale
• Oversee activities of the site; Communicate, investigate and address problems and situations, actively engaging in improving the site’s performance.
• Facilitate the development of the shift employees through training, coaching, feedback, and performance management
• Supervise the manufacture of quality products to meet product specifications in accordance with GMP, SPC, and manufacturing specifications.
• Recommend and review staffing needs to achieve production schedules
• Ensure a safe work environment exists by implementing and maintaining work safety standards, training and bringing action plans to closure.
• Prepare, maintain and analyze manufacturing reports related to quality, efficiency, waste & attainment through Loss Tree approach
• Consistently administer company policy and practices
• Continually improve the quality of each area through process innovation and methods improvement
• Plan and execute plant trials for new product innovations

• Membership and active participation on the Hazmat team is a requirement of this role
• Other projects and duties as assigned

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or other applicable field required or additional experience in lieu of degree
• Must have a minimum of 2 years of supervisory/lead experience in manufacturing environment; food manufacturing preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities through experience in production, materials management is required
• Must have experience in UMS, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or other continuous improvement program
• Effectively lead, coach, and motivate team members towards an autonomous team environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to handle interpersonal issues effectively and influence others through a matrixed environment is required
• Must have the ability to manage projects and project teams from inception to completion including hitting deadlines and communicating progress
• Working knowledge of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and ability to drive improvements using the Loss Tree is required
• SAP and warehouse management skills / experience preferred

Pay: The pay range for this position is $69,360 to $104,040. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible.

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

As publicly announced, Unilever will separate its Ice Cream business which is expected by the end of 2025. This role will transfer to the new Ice Cream company.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  

Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Disclaimer

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.