This role has responsibility to achieve productivity, efficiency, customer service, cost, quality, safety and employee engagement objectives through both individual and team contributions. Provides direction, leadership, development and support to direct reports through empowerment, teamwork, on-the-job assignments and continuous improvement projects and initiatives. Develops, implements and promotes safety programs and safe work practices through involvement in plant safety teams, programs and initiatives. Promotes sound employee & labor relations within the department by developing and maintaining effective organization with qualified personnel. Develops, promotes, and supports continuous improvement and other cross-functional initiatives. Ensure smooth operation in a fluid, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:
- Interpret job order specifications and assign responsibilities accordingly.
- Partner with management to ensure production goals and customer deadlines are consistently met.
- Inspect products and packaging to verify conformance with established quality and safety standards.
- Lead and supervise hourly employees, ensuring proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and compliance with operational procedures.
- Communicate and enforce all company safety guidelines and food safety protocols in alignment with regulatory and internal standards.
- Establish or adjust work procedures and priorities to meet production schedules.
- Analyze and recommend improvements to production methods, equipment performance, and product quality.
- Recommend and implement changes to working conditions or equipment usage to enhance efficiency and overall department performance.
- Investigate and resolve work-related issues while providing guidance and support to employees.
- Maintain accurate timekeeping and production records.
- Collaborate with Line Leads and operators to ensure all materials, equipment, and machinery meet production requirements.
- Communicate effectively with management and cross-functional departments, providing updates on production efficiency, equipment status, and workforce needs.
- Ensure consistent compliance with all food safety and workplace safety requirements.
- Assign daily tasks, monitor employee performance, and provide coaching, feedback, and corrective action when necessary.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and results-driven work environment that promotes teamwork and open communication.
- Oversee the timely and efficient completion of production activities in alignment with company objectives.
- Manage equipment and facility utilization to maintain operational continuity and efficiency.
- Identify and troubleshoot operational issues, escalate significant concerns, and coordinate resolutions with the Operations Manager.
- Conduct routine safety inspections, identify potential hazards, and implement corrective actions.
- Monitor and uphold product quality standards to ensure compliance with customer specifications.
- Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including productivity, quality, and safety metrics.
- Prepare detailed shift reports and propose process improvements based on performance data.
- Support scheduling, attendance tracking, and timecard management for hourly personnel.
- Assist in the onboarding, training, and development of new team members.
- Promote continuous improvement by encouraging participation in training and skill-development programs.
- Strategically schedule and manage labor resources to optimize operational throughput and efficiency.
- Maintain a strong technical understanding of equipment, actively supporting Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management to support departmental and organizational goals.
Requirements:
- Associate degree or equivalent professional experience required.
- Minimum 2 years of supervisory or operations experience, preferably within a manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment.
- Experience in the food processing industry (USDA or FDA-regulated) preferred.
- Experience with both Raw and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) processes is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Must be bilingual (English/Spanish).
