Hybrid Manager Project bei Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream

Are you looking to catapult your career by driving high-impact transformation with household brands?  Do you crave an entrepreneurial, fast paced, and engaging growth assignment working with incredible people from across the globe?

At Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, we are excited to start a new chapter of accelerated growth as part of Froneri – a global pure-play ice cream leader. Come help us transform DGIC into the #1 ice cream brand! With nearly 100 years of winning experience in the U.S, a robust portfolio of powerhouse brands that consumers know and love such as Häagen-Dazs, Drumstick, Dreyer’s & Edy’s, Skinny Cow and Outshine, and the backing and coaching of European-based ice cream experts, we know we have the winning recipe.

Headquartered in Walnut Creek, the Bay Area’s hub for up-and-coming food trends, our teams across our offices and factories are raising the bar on all things ice cream. We are investing in significant capital expansions to grow our Operations and Supply Chain and are transforming how we work at every level to become agile, accelerate growth and elevate our quality. With a renewed focus on frozen treats, our tight-knit team of ambitious innovators are fully immersed in the business and encouraged to flex and make decisions quickly. We are committed to pursuing every great idea and delivering the best ice cream experience for our consumers, when and where they want it.

Unleash your potential at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream and discover what a sweet career we have in store for you.

Main Purpose of Job:

The Project Manager to oversee maintenance operations in our manufacturing facility. This role ensures the efficient functioning of equipment, coordinates maintenance projects, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Role and Activity

 Project Management & Planning:

• Develop, plan, and execute maintenance projects, including equipment upgrades, facility repairs, and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, and supply chain, to minimize downtime and disruptions.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful completion.
• Implement best practices in maintenance to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Represent the Froneri way of working through the behaviors and characteristics in our operating model and core values

Maintenance Operations & Equipment Management:

• Oversee the maintenance of production machinery, refrigeration systems, and facility infrastructure.
• Ensure all equipment operates at optimal levels to support ice cream production while minimizing breakdowns.
• Develop and enforce preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Work closely with vendors and contractors for equipment servicing and repairs.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with food safety standards (e.g., FDA, HACCP, GMPS).
• Maintain OSHA and environmental safety compliance in maintenance operations.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety.

 Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and mentor a team of maintenance technicians and engineers.
• Conduct training sessions to enhance technical skills and safety awareness.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving.

 Continuous Improvement & Cost Management:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and energy efficiency.
• Analyze maintenance data to track performance metrics and optimize asset utilization.
• Develop cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality and operational standards.

 Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in maintenance project management, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of industrial refrigeration, electrical systems, and automated equipment.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Preferred skills:
• Experience in the ice cream or dairy industry.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and six sigma principles.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements (E.G., FDA, USDA, OSHA).

Levels of Responsibility

• Quality and technical system adherence
• Completion of the required production to plan
• Health and Safety
• Impeccable hygiene standards always
• Number of direct reports (if applicable):

BEHAVIORS AND CORE VALUES: Must consistently showcase the desired behaviors that represent our Core Values.

 We Take Ownership

• Stay committed to responsibilities from start to finish
• Make sound decisions and get into the right level of detail
• Apply resources to initiatives that add growth, improve efficiencies, or reduce waste

We Do What Is Right

• Choose transparency over convenience, even if it means difficult conversations
• Set clear roles and responsibilities, enabling everyone to exercise appropriate initiative and judgment
• Speak up when you see something that does not align to our values and policies

We Seek to Improve

• Strive to continuously improve and innovate to exceed expectations
• Value feedback from others and encourage open dialogue to understand how we can improve
• Learn from both successes and failures

We Are Better Together

• Ensure decisions are based on what’s best for the whole business
• Practice inclusion by seeking diverse perspectives
• Treat everyone with fairness and respect

Work Environment:

In this position, the employee will regularly work with and around others; in a wet and/or humid environment; in areas of high noise level; and around mechanical, electrical, and pressurized equipment. The work is fast paced. 

• Cold Temperatures: Parts of the facility, such as storage and production areas, may be kept at low temperatures.
  • Requires use of cold-protective PPE.
  • May involve standing, lifting, and walking in refrigerated zones for extended periods.
• Fast-Paced: Workers often operate under strict timelines to meet production quotas.
  • High-speed manufacturing floor with frequent movement, line assignment changes, and tight production timelines.
• Standing for Long Hours: Many roles require prolonged standing and repetitive tasks.
  • Repetitive hand and arm movements required.
  • Must be able to stand for hours with frequent bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Food Safety Regulations: Employees must follow hygiene and safety guidelines, including wearing protective gear (gloves, hairnets, etc.).
• Team-Oriented: Workers collaborate to ensure smooth production and packaging.

The position involves frequent exposure to nuts and other potential allergens. 

The pay scale for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The pay range for prospective employees in this role is between $96,000 and $119,000 per year, with opportunities for overtime, shift differential, cold premium pay and annual bonuses (variable depending on company performance).

We offer a comprehensive group benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, 401K plan with employer match and annual contribution available.

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.