Production Supervisor

Job Description

Production Supervisor

Position Summary

The Production Supervisor leads the day-to-day operation of a food manufacturing production and packaging line, directing a team of 5-10 operators to achieve production, quality, and safety objectives. This individual is responsible for line performance from raw material through finished, labeled, and palletized product while enforcing GMPs, driving SQF compliance, and maintaining efficient operations. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can effectively manage a team while actively supporting production as needed. The ideal candidate will continuously improve manufacturing processes, develop employees, and grow with the organization as operations expand.

Key Responsibilities

Line Operation & Throughput

• Direct daily production and packaging operations to meet production schedules, output targets, and efficiency goals. The facility will initially operate on one shift with plans to expand to two shifts as production grows.
• Oversee the complete production process, including raw material handling, processing, filling, sealing, labeling, coding, case packing, and palletizing.
• Manage equipment changeovers between various package sizes and formats while minimizing downtime.
• Monitor and troubleshoot production, packaging, labeling, and coding equipment, coordinating with maintenance on preventive maintenance and equipment repairs.
• Track key performance indicators including throughput, downtime, yield, scrap, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), implementing continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency.

Quality & Food Safety

• Ensure production parameters are maintained to meet product quality, packaging integrity, and food safety requirements.
• Verify product specifications through routine quality checks and testing procedures.
• Ensure accurate lot coding, date coding, and label application to maintain complete product traceability.
• Drive continuous improvements in product quality, process efficiency, and manufacturing performance.
• Support and enforce the facility's HACCP plan by monitoring Critical Control Points (CCPs) and maintaining required documentation.
• Champion Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) throughout the operation.

SQF & Regulatory Compliance

• Enforce SQF standards and maintain audit-ready conditions throughout the facility.
• Verify pre-operational sanitation activities are completed before production begins.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, sanitation, and food safety records to support SQF, HACCP, and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in internal and external food safety audits and assist with corrective actions.
• Reinforce allergen control, chemical handling, traceability, and recall procedures.

Team Leadership

• Lead, schedule, and coordinate a team of 5-10 operators while assisting with staffing as production expands.
• Train and onboard employees on equipment operation, GMPs, food safety, quality standards, and standard operating procedures.
• Set performance expectations, coach employees, provide regular feedback, and hold team members accountable for safety, quality, and productivity.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and safety-focused work environment.

Safety

• Enforce all workplace safety policies, including lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, machine guarding, and safe equipment operation.
• Maintain a clean, organized workplace using 5S principles.
• Report, investigate, and assist in resolving safety incidents and near misses.

Qualifications

Required

• 2-3 years of supervisory or lead experience in a food or beverage manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Familiarity with SQF or another GFSI-recognized food safety system (such as BRC) and HACCP principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate production teams.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting production or packaging equipment.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to support a production schedule that may expand from one to two shifts, including occasional extended hours.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred

• Experience in food manufacturing and packaging operations.
• SQF Practitioner training or certification.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk on the production floor for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working around production equipment, moving machinery, and manufacturing environments with varying temperatures.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.