12-Hour Nights Blending Supervisor

Position Overview

Oversees and directs formulation, blending and seasoning activities on the shift to ensure safe and efficient preparation of raw meat product for processing, and sanitation of the Inspection, Blending and Seasoning rooms. Complies with all safety, food safety, SQF, quality, GMP and USDA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all blending activities to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Communicate expected performance results and ensure pertinent production information is disseminated effectively to all shift personnel in a timely manner
• Review shift metrics with the Partners to maintain awareness of performance to standard and schedule
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all Salm Partners and USDA sanitation and food safety requirements
• Oversee and monitor the set up and operation of the seasoning rooms, inspection and blending room equipment and processes to meet the blending schedule
• Ensure regrind from Case Pack is consumed into Blending as scheduled and are within the specifications identified within the Operational Parameters by product
• Review the daily production reports, tracking and reporting down time and blends completed
• Ensure the Standard Operating Procedures accurately represent the process in place and are being followed consistently
• Monitor the production process flow and implement suggestions for throughput improvements
• Confer with Maintenance personnel, operators and helpers to resolve equipment problems
• Communicate production issues and concerns to the Blending Manager; relay concerns with regard to equipment performance, product quality, safety and food safety in a timely manner
• Address and resolve partner issues through effective coaching and the progressive disciplinary process
• Identify Partner training needs and seek additional resources as needed to further develop partner skills
• Monitor Partner work schedules and attendance; manage the time-off request process and report unplanned absences in a timely manner to the HR department
• Review and approve request for temporary personnel weekly for the following week's staffing needs
• Promote a positive and supportive work environment
• Ensure sanitations are completed as required
• Ensure partner compliance with SOP, SSOP, GMP, and SQF requirements
• Follow and ensure compliance with established equipment Lockout/Tagout procedures
• Follow and ensure compliance with all safety rules and regulations per established company policies
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the Blending Team Leader, Blending Operators and Blender Helpers assigned to the shift
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with established policies and applicable law, including training Partners, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining; and addressing and resolving problems

Education

• A minimum of high school diploma is normally required, with an Associate degree preferred

Experience

• Prior leadership experience and a minimum of 3 years previous work experience in a USDA-FSIS regulated food manufacturing environment is required
• Experience with meat blending operations or ready-to-eat processed meats manufacturing is also required
• Meat technology knowledge and ability to trouble-shoot common blend-quality issues is strongly preferred
• Experience in formulating sausage to defined fat & moisture levels is highly desirable
• Experience in incorporating water/fat-binding ingredients (e.g. soy proteins, oat fiber) and inclusions (e.g. individual quick frozen vegetables, cheese) into sausage would be extremely advantageous

Skills

Communication Skills

• Must possess effective interpersonal communication skills, with strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as product information, process instructions, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Must have the ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Must also have the ability to speak effectively before small groups of partners
• Must listen well, and promote an environment of open communication and collaborative problem solving

Computer Skills

• Must possess strong computer proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, and MAS500 or related integrated manufacturing software system

Mathematical Skills

• Must have strong basic math skills, with the ability to calculate percentages and fractions for recipe quantities
• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals

Reasoning Ability

• Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, and the ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause problem solving skills are also required
• Previous experience applying Root Cause Problem Solving methodologies is strongly preferred

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the partner is frequently required to stand for extended periods, walk, sit and talk or hear
• The partner is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms
• Must be able to lift up to 50# on a regular basis, and up to 75# occasionally
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and depth perception

Work Environment

• There is a wide variation of temperatures ranging from 35° F to 100° F in the various production work areas
• The work environment is wet and slippery
• The noise level in the production work environment is usually loud
• Partners are required to wear frocks, hairnets, hearing protection and slip-resistant footwear at all times on the production floor
• Gloves, goggles, face shield, rain suits, rubber boots, and dust mask will be required at different times in the course of the work being performed

Other Requirements

• Must have strong communication skills and enjoy teaching and developing people
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and with changing environmental conditions
• Must have a strong attention to detail and the ability to work rapidly and with a high degree of accuracy
• Must also have strong leadership skills and proven work ethic, honesty, trustworthiness and integrity

Benefits

• 401(k) with a company match
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Optional Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance policies
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Opportunity to grow within a values-driven and team-focused environment