Operations Training and Performance Manager

Darigold is seeking a Operations Training & Performance Manager for our plant in Pasco, WA. The Operations Training & Performance Manager is a senior, hands‑on operational expert responsible for accelerating performance, capability, and consistency in a new Milk Powder and Butter manufacturing facility. This role serves as the primary technical and people‑development authority for both supervisors and operators across powder and butter operations during startup and ramp‑up.

The position is designed for an experienced dairy manufacturing professional with deep process knowledge, strong coaching capability, and credibility to influence at all levels of the organization. While not a direct people manager initially, this role operates at a manager-equivalent level of responsibility and impact
, with a clear path to a future operations management role as the plant stabilizes and grows.

• Design, implement, and continuously improve structured training programs for operators and supervisors in both powder and butter operations.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for process fundamentals, equipment operation, quality standards, and troubleshooting across assigned areas.
• Coach supervisors on frontline leadership skills, standard work execution, performance management, and daily management systems.
• Provide on‑floor mentoring and real‑time feedback to operators to improve skill mastery, safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Support stabilization of plant operations following startup, addressing performance gaps in safety, quality, throughput, yield, and reliability.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to identify root causes of performance issues and reinforce best practices.
• Help standardize operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials to drive consistency across shifts and teams.
• Reinforce adherence to food safety, GMP, and regulatory requirements at all times.

• Act as a trusted advisor and role model for supervisors and operators, demonstrating strong safety leadership and accountability.
• Support the development of a strong performance culture focused on continuous improvement, learning, and ownership.
• Influence without formal authority, using credibility, experience, and coaching to drive results.

• Build bench strength by identifying and developing high‑potential operators and supervisors.
• Prepare to transition into a formal management role (e.g., Operations Manager, Area Manager, or Production Manager) as the business needs evolve over time.

• Extensive experience in dairy manufacturing, with strong expertise in milk powder and/or butter operations.
• Proven background in training, coaching, or developing operators and frontline leaders in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of startup operations, process stabilization, and performance ramp‑up.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead without direct authority.
• Solid working knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.

• Prior experience in a senior specialist, lead, or management role within dairy or food manufacturing.
• Experience supporting new plant startups or major process changes.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Food Science, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Works closely with Plant Leadership, Operations Managers, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams.
• Provides day‑to‑day coaching and development support to supervisors and operators across multiple shifts.

Salary Range: $94,772 to $142,158 per year

We understand that as an employee, benefits that support you and your family in and out of work are important. We’re proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package – that includes:

• Employer 401K contribution of up to 5%
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
• Employer paid life & disability coverage
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Eight weeks paid parental leave
• Education assistance
• Employee assistance program
• Community giving through matching donations

Please Note: We are not engaging with external recruiters or agencies for this role. Kindly refrain from outreach regarding candidates.

Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect where all employees feel included and can bring their best and authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Aff… We participate in E‑Verify - please follow the links for details, English / Spanish & view our Right to Work Statement, English / Spanish.