Manufacturing Supervisor

Job Description Job Description Position Overview:

As a Bottling Supervisor at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac), you will lead the day-to-day operations of assigned bottling lines. You’ll supervise production teams, ensure adherence to safety and quality standards, maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and drive continuous improvement in efficiency, cost, and output. You’ll play a key role in delivering defect-free products on time and within budget while fostering a positive, safe, and performance-driven team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Execution & Operational Excellence

Lead daily execution of bottling line operations to meet production plans while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and efficiency standards.

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), downtime, yields, and throughput, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize line performance.

Utilize data and systems to proactively identify production risks and bottlenecks; implement corrective actions in real-time to maintain operational flow.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

Direct, coach, and develop a team of hourly production associates to achieve high levels of engagement, safety, and performance.

Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture through consistent feedback, recognition, and performance development.

Partner with HR and management to manage team schedules, attendance, performance reviews, and corrective actions.

Safety & Compliance

Ensure a safe working environment by enforcing all OSHA and company safety policies; conduct regular safety audits, toolbox talks, and incident investigations.

Support company initiatives to achieve zero safety incidents and champion a safety-first mindset throughout the team.

Ensure adherence to all regulatory and quality compliance standards including OSHA, FDA, TTB, and internal food safety programs.

Quality & Food Safety

Maintain strict adherence to quality standards, product specifications, and sanitation requirements throughout bottling processes.

Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues, working closely with QA and production teams to prevent recurrence.

Execute Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ensure documentation is completed in compliance with internal and external standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Process Improvement

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Engineering to drive performance and resolve issues.

Participate in line start-ups, changeovers, and continuous improvement initiatives to support new product introductions or packaging changes.

Recommend and implement improvements in process, equipment, or layout to reduce waste and cost, and increase efficiency.

System & Process Ownership

Utilize production software, ERP systems, and digital tools for tracking production metrics, documenting performance, and managing workflow.

Ensure timely and accurate completion of all production-related documentation, logs, and reports.

Support audits, inspections, and other regulatory or customer-driven evaluations as required.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field

Strong communication skills , both written and verbal, with the ability to interact across all levels of the organization

Demonstrated ability to problem-solve , prioritize tasks , and manage time in a fast-paced environment

Basic understanding of manufacturing or production environments (through coursework, internships, or related experiences)

Commitment to safety , quality, and continuous improvement

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with production software or ERP systems is a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in a manufacturing, operations, or supply chain environment

Exposure to Lean Manufacturing , Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies

Familiarity with food or beverage production , packaging, or quality control standards

Knowledge of regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, FDA, TTB)

Strong leadership potential and interest in team management or operations supervision

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs without assistance

Willingness to work an 8-hour shift and overtime as needed

Comfortable working in loud, wet, and humid environments near moving mechanical parts

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

Why Join Sazerac?

At Sazerac, we offer more than a job – we offer a career. Our team enjoys:

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits starting Day One

401(k) with immediate company match

Flexible time off, holidays, and parental leave

Tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs

Wellness programs and mental health support

Branded gear, team events, and employee bottle purchase program

Continuous learning and development opportunities

Diversity & Equal Opportunity

Sazerac is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.

Salary range - $70,687 - $106,031

*Placement within the salary range is calculated based upon years of directly relatable experience for the position.

Open shifts are 2nd and 3rd

2nd: 2:30pm-11:00pm

3rd: 10:30pm-7:00am

You should be proficient in:

Leadership / People Management

Bachelors Degree

Continuous Improvement

Supervisory Experience