Manage operating departments and staff within the plant in areas such as milk receiving, warehouse/cooler, processing, filling, packaging, and/or retort departments for operations. Provide work direction and supervision to supervisors and employees within the guidelines of standard work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Work closely with plant management and serve as a liaison with corporate functional departments including quality assurance, human resources, accounting, engineering, purchasing, research and development, and risk management. Direct personnel activities of department, such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments using independent judgment within the framework of established human resources policies and practices.