SUMMARY: Production supervisor is responsible for managing and coordinating the work of production teams to ensure efficient manufacturing operations and quality food production in a safe and cost-effective way to achieve performance targets. The person in this key role is responsible for overseeing production schedules, maintaining compliance with safety, quality, policy and applicable laws and standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The supervisor will provide leadership in hiring, training, performance management, and employee development, ensuring a positive and productive work environment. Creates and maintains a culture of safety.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Production Management and Operations Oversight
· Ensures compliance with product quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
· Develops and executes operational schedules to meet production targets to ensure customer orders are produced on time and in full.
· Plans for and ensures appropriate staffing levels are met.
· Monitors workflow, machine utilization, and team performance to maximize operational efficiency.
· Reviews production reports, identifies gaps, and implements solutions to improve performance.
Leadership and Team Development
· Leads, motivates, and develops team members to achieve production goals.
· Serves as the primary resource for employee questions, concerns, and performance-related matters.
· Provides coaching, feedback, and training to enhance individual and team effectiveness and team engagement.
· Conducts regular team meetings to review past results, address issues, and drive continuous improvement.
· Ensures safety training is conducted and completed by all team members.
Compliance and Continuous Improvement
· Ensures adherence to company policies, food safety protocols, and industry regulations.
· Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, employee engagement, and team collaboration.
· Develops and enforces standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain consistency and efficiency.
Communication and Reporting
· Communicates effectively with production teams, management, and cross-functional departments including maintenance, quality assurance, and safety teams.
· Maintains accurate records of production data, compliance activities, and operational metrics.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
· Leadership: Ability to influence and inspire teams to meet organizational goals
· High sense of urgency
· Employee Development and Coaching: Motivates, trains, and supports team members.
· Operational Effectiveness: Strong problem-solving skills to manage daily production activities and changing priorities. Ability to anticipate adverse scenarios and provide contingency plan recommendations.
· Strong ability to interpret safety guidelines, operating procedures, and compliance regulations.
· Proficient in data analysis and reporting to drive informed decision-making.
· Bilingual skills in English and Spanish, Portuguese or French are a plus.
· Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing software.
· Ability to present functional specifications to the IT department when needed.
· Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations, such as machine speeds and production rates.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
· High school diploma or equivalent. College degree preferred.
· 1-3 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food production.
· Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to refrigerated and wet conditions.
The noise level in the plant is usually loud.
Physical requirements including standing and walking for extended periods, climbing stairs regularly and lifting moderate weights.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit climb or balance, and smell.
The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Production Supervisor • Chelsea, MA