Production Supervisor

Group LeaderAbout Prairie Farms – "Farmer Owned. Locally Produced. Since 1938."We are a farmer-owned cooperative. This means we are owned and operated by over 800+ farm families who are critical members of society. They have selflessly taken on the tremendous task of producing nutritious, high-quality milk for a growing population, which requires being on the job 24/7, 365 days a year.We have represented American agriculture since our founding in 1938. Many of our dairy farms are operated by several generations of family members with roots dating back to the 1800s. On average, each farm milks around 120 cows and everyone pitches in to keep them happy and healthy - which means around-the-clock care!Our MissionTo produce dairy products of the highest qualityTo conduct our business with professional integrityTo exceed expectations of our customers and consumersTo support our communities in a positive, sustainable mannerTo deliver exceptional patronage to our network of farm familiesTo simply "do right" for our farm families, employees, and communitiesBenefitsThrift retirement plan with generous company contributionsExcellent health benefit plans including medical, dental, and vision coverageCompany paid Short Term Disability and Life InsuranceFlexible Spending Account (FSA)Health Saving Account (HSA)Paid Time OffPaid HolidaysEmployee Assistance ProgramSummary/ObjectiveThe Group Leader oversees the manufacturing and plant operations on a shift basis with direct responsibility for specific work teams and larger projects receiving support and direction from the Operations Manager in compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory requirements. This position is also responsible for developing the culture through coaching and supporting the work area team structure.Essential FunctionsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Department DutiesPosition Type/Expected Hours of WorkTypically, Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 12:00 amMust be willing to work a varied schedule up to fifty hours per weekAdditional hours and days (holidays, weekends) as requiredExpected Work Activity70% on-site supervision, problem solving, implementing, and observing20% office, planning, reporting10% staff meetings, group planning, audits, tours, misc.Required4 year undergraduate degree in Food Science, Ag Science, or similar technical fieldThree to five years of experience in production supervisionFocus ActivitiesEnsure work area teams follow the continuous improvement framework in the areas of Safety, Food Safety Quality and Productivity when conducting Daily Management MeetingsDevelop a culture of accelerated continuous improvement utilizing standard work, problem identification, A3 problem solving, and decision making at the level of executionWork with other group and team leaders, both operational and functional, to identify, prioritize and resolve issues between the teamsResponsible for leading operational improvements in the assigned work area teamsDevelop the leadership capabilities of work area team leaders with formal bi-weekly coaching, goal setting, training and timely completion of performance reviewsSupport team leader in developing and maintaining standard work, implementing and following defined standardsPrimary liaison between floor personnel and managementStay current with industry trends and technologyLive and promote our vision and missionProvide support to improve quality excellence, food safety, and product development efforts, cooperating closely with the quality control teamFollow work practices that align with and support the negotiated collective bargaining agreementOther duties as assignedSafety, Food Safety Quality, ProductivityEnsure appropriate implementation and management of Safety and Food Safety Quality GMP'sEnsure that we adhere to all state and federal regulations in the areas of safety and food safety qualityEnsure that we follow all company and customer standardsWork with teams to set goals to improve and demonstrate meaningful improvements in Safety, Food Safety Quality, and ProductivityFinancialResponsible for improving the cost position of the assigned work teams preventing or eliminating issues including overtime, labor efficiency, shrink, energy consumption, etc. with an expected annual savings goal of 3%Responsible for identifying annual capital improvements and creating appropriate business cases to justify investmentPrioritize and manage top improvement goals and projects to ensure appropriate support from shared services like preventative maintenance, scheduling, and supply chainRequired Duties of all AssociatesManage all company business according to the cultural objectives of the company (values and behaviors)Understand and execute the principles of the company's Operational Excellence program driving the right behaviors, standards and continuous improvement across all operating entitiesParticipate in cross-functional teams as required to advance the business interests of the companyCompliance with all company and regulatory policies/guidelines relating to associate safety, food safety and food qualityCompetenciesWorking knowledge of Microsoft OfficeExcellent communication and organization skills, including written and oral presentation skillsStrong time management skillsMust demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skillsConfidentiality is a mustMust be insurable by company standardsStrong organizational and influential leadership skills - managing and empowering personnel or teamsDemonstrated ability to problem solveComfortable in fast-paced environmentSupervisory Responsibility/Reporting and Working RelationshipsWork to communicate and execute the Prairie Farms business goals and mission statementDevelop and execute a culture of continuous improvement through use of clear prioritization, problem solving and empowermentIn conjunction with the Human Resources Department and Plant Manager, develop and execute annual training and skill development with associatesCollaborate with all areas of Operations, Quality, Sanitation, and all leaders to execute priorities including improvements to safety, food safety quality and uptime of equipmentWork EnvironmentExposed to fumes or airborne particlesExposed to moving mechanical parts and vibrationOccasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions, hot and coldNoise level can be loud on job siteOccasionally exposed to outside weather conditionsBoth office and plant environmentPhysical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Regularly required to talk and hearActive position requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbingAble to lift up to 80 poundsVision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focusEducation and ExperienceTravelAs needed for training or meetingsOther DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any