3rd Shift - Production Supervisor

Production Supervisor 3rd Shift

Locally owned and operated since 1995, Winona Foods is proud to be a growing industry leader in innovative cheese manufacturing, converting, and distribution. If you're looking for a workplace where people matter, your ideas are valued, and your work makes a real impact on product quality and customer satisfaction, you'll feel right at home here. Winona Foods Imagine the Possibilities!

Position Summary

The Production Supervisor 3rd Shift leads overnight operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role operates with a high level of independence, leading teams through Team Leads while coordinating closely with Maintenance and Quality. The Supervisor is responsible for end-of-week sanitation, team development, and driving daily performance in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with safety policies, GMPs, and company procedures
• Promote a safe, clean work environment through active presence and enforcement

• Leadership & Team Management
• Supervise, coach, and develop production employees and Team Leads
• Lead 23 Team Leads; set expectations and ensure accountability
• Partner on staffing, line coverage, and daily labor allocation
• Provide performance feedback and address concerns as needed

• 3rd Shift Operations & Communication
• Serve as primary on-shift decision-maker with a high level of autonomy
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Quality, and other leaders to resolve issues
• Ensure clear shift handoff, including results, issues, and follow-ups

• Production Execution
• Drive performance in safety, quality, throughput, labor, and waste
• Monitor operations, address gaps, and adjust priorities as needed
• Ensure accurate production reporting and documentation

• Sanitation & Food Safety
• Lead end-of-week sanitation, ensuring proper execution and compliance
• Verify cleaning completion and readiness for startup
• Ensure adherence to food safety programs; partner with Quality to resolve issues
• Support sanitation processes through training and continuous improvement

• Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
• Support continuous improvement and standard work
• Identify recurring issues and assist with root cause solutions

• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Maintenance, Quality, and other departments to support operations

• Floor Presence
• Maintain strong floor presence to monitor operations, reinforce expectations, and coach employees

Qualifications

• Education and/or Experience
• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred
• 35+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in dairy/cheese or food production
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience with sanitation processes (SSOPs), equipment cleaning, and sanitation readiness in a food manufacturing environment preferred
• Continuous improvement experience (Lean, 5S, waste reduction, or similar) or willingness to learn preferred

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Working knowledge of GMPs, food safety programs (HACCP or Preventive Controls), and sanitation practices
• Familiarity with allergen control and dairy-specific food safety risks preferred
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop employees, including Team Leads or frontline leaders preferred
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to make independent decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize work effectively, and ensure follow-through
• Experience using ERP, MES, or OEE systems preferred; ability to interpret production data and act on trends
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across shifts and departments
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills or experience working in a diverse workforce preferred

Work Environment

Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with cold temperatures, moving equipment, and moderate to high noise levels. Personal protective equipment is required. Conditions of Employment Candidates are subject to a pre-employment background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Winona Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these protected characteristics. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, ensuring a fair and equitable hiring process.