Production Supervisor - 3rd Shift

About the role

The Production Supervisor supports employees in producing and shipping products that meet required volume, quality standards, and production/shipping schedules. This role ensures operations are efficient and cost-effective while driving continuous improvement in plant performance. The position enforces company policies and federal regulations from FDA, USDA, OSHA, and EPA.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate and clarify daily production, shipping schedules, and manufacturing objectives.
• Support employees in meeting job requirements, ensuring adherence to schedules, throughput, and quality standards through clear communication, training, and accountability.
• Monitor daily process performance, identify gaps, and initiate corrective actions while maintaining effective communication with stakeholders.
• Lead and engage employees in focused business and process improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate production activities with maintenance, quality, and sanitation teams to optimize machine and equipment performance.
• Promote a sense of urgency during production runs and address machine downtime promptly.
• Complete daily paperwork including Log Sheets, Accident Reports, Status Reports for Plant Manager, and Time and Production records.
• Conduct walkthroughs and inspections to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Standards.
• Ensure a safe work environment and compliance with safety protocols, including PPE policies and GMP.
• Verify proper setup of production lines for specific products.
• Ensure all products meet food safety and quality specifications.
• Assist operators in achieving throughput and quality standards efficiently.
• Provide clear direction, training, and support to employees to meet job performance, GMP, and housekeeping standards.
• Monitor process performance, identify root causes of underperformance, and address issues, including personnel matters.
• Manage time and attendance records for production staff and arrange shift coverage when approving time off.
• Perform organoleptic testing (e.g., sensory testing with taste, smell, touch, and sight) on finished product.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or international equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of related supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Manufacturing experience with exposure to continuous improvement practices, lean manufacturing, and statistical methods preferred.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs.
• Willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule.

Skills

• Communication: Clearly and effectively communicate through oral, written, visual, and non-verbal channels.
• Accountability: Take responsibility for actions and proactively address challenges.
• Customer Focused: Prioritize understanding and meeting internal and external customer needs to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
• Initiative: Proactively identify opportunities and address potential threats independently.
• Problem-Solving: Identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance, analyzing challenges to find practical solutions.
• Collaboration: Work harmoniously with others toward common goals, supporting team deliverables.

Physical Demands

The role requires regular sitting, standing, walking, and use of hands to handle or feel objects. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-60 pounds. Organoleptic assessments require acute sensory abilities (taste, smell, sight, touch) to detect deviations in flavor, aroma, color, and texture. The employee must be physically able to consume and evaluate a wide variety of food ingredients, including potential allergens (e.g., dairy, wheat, soy, nuts).

Work Environment

The work environment may involve exposure to varying temperatures (e.g., cooler rooms), water or dairy liquids, and noise levels up to 90 decibels. Conditions may include wet or slippery surfaces.

About Us

Maola Local Dairies® is a farmer-owned cooperative sustainably producing nutritious dairy products, including milk, cream, butter, and dry milk powders. With six processing plants, Maola prioritizes quality, freshness, and environmental stewardship while delivering dairy products to local communities.

Pay

Starting annual salary range: $70,000 - $80,000.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Life Insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Benefits available within the first month of employment.

Schedule

12-hour rotating shift schedule.