Production Manager - Ethanol

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 17,000 people globally.

This position is responsible for managing the production process of a dry mill ethanol plant and works with management in an integrated team environment. Primary functions are to maximize productivity and product quality while minimizing costs and to ensure compliance with environmental, occupational health and safety regulations and best practices. 

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Manages daily performance of the production team to achieve or exceed Company objectives.
• Conducts audits of the facility to ensure production operations are conducted in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with Company standards.
• Maintains and updates production process standard operating procedures; ensures that these procedures are followed and Company standards are met.
• Maintains proper coverage by managing production staffing schedules.
• Plans and manages production budget to meet facility needs and production goals.
• Monitors the plant’s inventories of supplies and chemicals to ensure accuracy of information represented.
• Makes improvements to the production process as necessary to maximize efficiency, increase product quality and/or lower costs.
• Actively participates in the facility’s SHE Program.
• Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to. 
• Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work. 
• Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and safe manner. 
• Ensures unsafe working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable.  

Additional Responsibilities

• Supports the Safety, Health & Environment, (SHE) Manager in assessing the impact of occupational health and safety regulations and environmental regulations on plant operations; coordinates the development and implementation of compliance plans.
• Investigates any complaints concerning alleged unsafe or unhealthy working conditions; notifies the SHE Manager or Plant Manager accordingly.
• Contributes to and supports implementation of the Company’s drug and alcohol testing policy, including random testing requirements.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of strategies and tactics to improve occupational health and safety, as well as performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualifications: High School Diploma/GED and Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred qualifications: Technical degree.

Experience

• Three (3) years of production/processing experience in an ethanol plant, including implementing or complying with occupational health and safety programs.
•  Two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or lead role.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

• Broad knowledge of manufacturing processes, procedures and machinery.
• Strong knowledge of Process Safety Management.
• Strong knowledge of the regulatory requirements the facility operates under (e.g., OSHA, EPA, BATF, NDEQ, TTB).
• Ability to read blueprints and/or other plant diagrams.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights, manage confined space entry, withstand extended periods of walking and standing, and move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more, which requires bending and lifting. 
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software (e.g., Excel and Word).

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong leadership skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Equipment Used

• Typical office equipment: PC, telephone. 
• Production machinery and operating equipment, including computers to manage the production process.
• Possible use or oversight of occupational health and safety testing equipment (e.g., air monitors).
• In plant areas: must wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.

Working Conditions

Typical climate-controlled office environment, located within an industrial facility.  The extension of regular working hours is occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects, attend training or respond to emergencies.  Frequent visits to industrial operations areas are necessary with occasional exposure to a variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions; occasional exposure to gases, vapors, dust and odors; and occasional exposure to areas with wet floors and high volume of noise.  Heavy lifting of manufacturing materials and products, and some stair climbing, required.  Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be worn in compliance with Company standards and government regulations. 

Employee Supervision

Supervises a team of production personnel.  Has the authority to recommend hiring, terminating, and discipline of employees as well as supervise, manage, & direct work.

Decision Making/Accountability

Plans and controls the production process of a dry mill ethanol plant.  Accountable for ensuring peak production efficiencies and product quality while controlling costs.  Accountable for the development and implementation of program strategies that promote and protect the health and safety of employees.  Employs a broad understanding of occupational health and safety regulations and best practices to conduct necessary functions and advise others.  Initiates plant start-ups and shut-downs as needed.

Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities

Is an active member of the facility's Safety, Health & Environment, (SHE) Program.  Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to.  Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.  Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and safe manner.  Ensures unsafe working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable.  

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public.
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Hybrid work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us