Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

We’re now hiring a Director of Production – Treats at our Delano location. This individual is responsible for all treat plant operations, including but not limited to schedule adherence, efficient plant layout, leading production personnel, employee safety, food safety, plant efficiencies and plant finances. If you have a strong desire to take the next step in manufacturing leadership, you may have just stumbled upon the perfect role!

Essential Duties:

• Direct and oversee the Production - Treats department and leadership teams.
• Establish, monitor, and improve production standards.
• Drive improvement in product consistency and quality.
• Ensure detailed and accurate processes and work instructions are documented and used.
• Work with support departments to ensure production needs are met.
• Identify, help research, and help employ new equipment.
• Responsible for employee safety and improvement of employee safety,
• Responsible for food safety in production areas.
• Assist with investigation and determination on non-conforming product release,
• Assist sales in researching and developing new products.
• Address all personnel issues, using HR when required.
• Assure that all employees are treated fairly with respect and consistency.
• Help attain, manage, and maintain any necessary plant certifications including GFSI, etc.
• Ensure LEAN/ process improvement based workshops are being executed.
• Ensure plant team members develop and implement safety plans and policies.
• Ensure audits, plant inspections, new equipment/process reviews and safety incident investigations are completed.
• Partner with project engineering design and project implementation of capital projects.
• Coach, mentor, and grow leadership team.
• Ensures thorough review of shop floor clockings for both machine and labor, direct and indirect.
• Partner with the Continuous Improvement team and assist in the development and implementation of a “Best In Class” continuous improvement strategy.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality and maintenance.
• Accomplish other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in a leadership position
• Experience in pet food or food manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience in departments and areas of responsibility is valued
• Proven track record in team building, goal setting and attainment, and continuous improvement
• Leadership skills to identify and improve safety, food safety, quality, efficiency and personnel.
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Self-motivated
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse workforce through training, coaching, and mentoring
• Strong background in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Team player that leads by example