Production Supervisor
3 days ago
Knoxville
Position summary: The Production Supervisor is responsible for ensuring employee safety, food safety, product quality, and asset performance while delivering the assigned shift, line, or area production plan on time. This position typically leads a team of up to 30 associates and is accountable for maintaining compliance with company policies, USDA regulatory requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This role requires close collaboration with Quality, Maintenance, Packaging, and other support functions to ensure operational alignment with organizational objectives. The Production Supervisor is expected to create and sustain a workplace culture that engages associates, drives accountability, and supports continuous improvement measured by key performance indicators. Primary responsibilities: • Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of assigned production areas by executing daily production plans., • Support on‑time startup, line efficiency, yield, and output objectives., • Ensure adequate distribution of skills and talent on the production floor to meet operational demands., • Ensure associates have the tools, equipment, and resources needed to perform their assigned duties effectively., • Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality to support shift operations., • Review, complete, and sign all required daily production and compliance documentation., • Ensure a safe work environment at all times through enforcement of safety policies, housekeeping standards, SOPs, and SSOPs., • Ensure associates are trained on safety, hygiene, and equipment operating standards., • Ensure compliance with USDA FSIS requirements, food safety programs, GMPs, and critical limits., • Perform or support audits, inspections, and verification activities related to food safety and regulatory compliance., • Actively participate in the prevention, identification, and correction of safety or compliance deficiencies., • Ensure all quality objectives are met through consistent adherence to GMPs and food safety programs., • Perform food safety and product quality checks to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements., • Support investigations and corrective actions related to quality deviations or customer concerns., • Promote quality ownership and accountability at all levels within the assigned production area., • Lead, coach, and motivate production associates to meet and exceed performance expectations., • Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and development of associates., • Provide timely coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations., • Enforce corrective action when necessary, in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner., • Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, engagement, and respect., • Participate in Daily Operations Reviews as assigned., • Develop and implement action plans to address root causes of failures or inefficiencies., • Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and productivity., • Promote cost awareness related to startup performance, efficiency, scrap, and waste reduction. Requirements: • One of the following is required:, • Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of leadership experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment, • 5 years of supervisory or management experience, preferably in manufacturing, • 2 years of leadership experience in the United States Military, • Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and alternate shifts as required., • Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment with variable conditions, including cold, wet, or warm areas., • General knowledge of manufacturing process flows. Preferred Experience • Experience in food manufacturing, processing, or packaging, • Experience in a USDA‑regulated food manufacturing facility, including familiarity with USDA FSIS requirements, • Experience with sanitation programs, • Experience with Quality systems and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), • Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred) Skills • Ability to maintain a safe working environment through proper safety and housekeeping practices., • Strong communication skills, including oral, written, and listening skills., • Ability to adjust communication style to various audiences and effectively address noncompliance., • Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, and motivating associates., • Confidence in decision‑making and ability to manage challenging situations professionally., • Adaptability to changing priorities, responsibilities, and operational demands., • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously., • Ability to set clear, effective, and measurable objectives., • Mechanical aptitude with strong root cause problem‑solving skills., • High energy level with strong follow‑through and attention to detail., • Intermediate computer skills with the ability to learn company ERP systems.