Production Supervisor - 3rd Shift

Production Supervisor – 3rd ShiftLocally 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. 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 & ComplianceEnsure compliance with safety policies, GMPs, and company proceduresPromote a safe, clean work environment through active presence and enforcementLeadership & Team ManagementSupervise, coach, and develop production employees and Team LeadsLead 2–3 Team Leads; set expectations and ensure accountabilityPartner on staffing, line coverage, and daily labor allocationProvide performance feedback and address concerns as needed3rd Shift Operations & CommunicationServe as primary on-shift decision-maker with a high level of autonomyCoordinate with Maintenance, Quality, and other leaders to resolve issuesEnsure clear shift handoff, including results, issues, and follow-upsProduction ExecutionDrive performance in safety, quality, throughput, labor, and wasteMonitor operations, address gaps, and adjust priorities as neededEnsure accurate production reporting and documentationSanitation & Food SafetyLead end-of-week sanitation, ensuring proper execution and complianceVerify cleaning completion and readiness for startupEnsure adherence to food safety programs; partner with Quality to resolve issuesSupport sanitation processes through training and continuous improvementContinuous Improvement & Problem SolvingSupport continuous improvement and standard workIdentify recurring issues and assist with root cause solutionsCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Maintenance, Quality, and other departments to support operationsFloor PresenceMaintain strong floor presence to monitor operations, reinforce expectations, and coach employeesQualifications:Education and/or ExperienceHigh school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred3–5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in dairy/cheese or food productionPrior leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment preferredExperience with sanitation processes (SSOPs), equipment cleaning, and sanitation readiness in a food manufacturing environment preferredContinuous improvement experience (Lean, 5S, waste reduction, or similar) or willingness to learn preferredKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesWorking knowledge of GMPs, food safety programs (HACCP or Preventive Controls), and sanitation practicesFamiliarity with allergen control and dairy-specific food safety risks preferredAbility to lead, coach, and develop employees, including Team Leads or frontline leaders preferredStrong problem-solving skills with ability to make independent decisions in a fast-paced environmentAbility to manage multiple priorities, organize work effectively, and ensure follow-throughExperience using ERP, MES, or OEE systems preferred; ability to interpret production data and act on trendsStrong written and verbal communication skills across shifts and departmentsBilingual (Spanish/English) skills or experience working in a diverse workforce preferredWork 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.