Production Supervisor
4 days ago
Louisville
Purpose The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading and coordinating all production activities on assigned shifts at Stellar Snacks. This role ensures that pretzel products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to quality standards while fostering a motivated, accountable, and high-performing team environment. Scope The Production Supervisor reports directly to the Operations Manager and provides hands-on leadership to Packaging Machine Operators, Oven Operators, PMOs, Packers, and other production floor personnel. This role is the primary point of accountability for shift performance, team development, food safety compliance, and daily communication between the production floor and management. Duties & Responsibilities Shift & Production Management • Oversee all production activities during the assigned shift to ensure output meets schedule, quality, and efficiency targets, • Monitor production line performance and make real-time adjustments to staffing, equipment, and priorities to minimize downtime and waste, • Ensure the production schedule is followed and product is produced on time and to specification, • Review and communicate the shift plan at the start of each shift, including production targets, changeovers, and any special instructions, • Conduct shift handoff briefings to ensure continuity of operations between incoming and outgoing supervisors, • Accurately complete all shift paperwork, production logs, and reporting requirements on time, • Track and report shift KPIs including efficiency, downtime, waste, and safety performance to the Operations Manager Team Leadership, Coaching & Development • Directly supervise, coach, and develop all production floor employees on assigned shifts, including PMOs, Oven Operators, Bakers, and Packers, • Conduct regular one-on-ones and provide timely, constructive performance feedback to team members, • Identify individual and team skill gaps and work with the Operations Manager and HR to address through training and development plans, • Support the onboarding and training of new employees, ensuring they are properly oriented to safety, quality, and production standards, • Recognize and reinforce strong performance; address performance issues promptly, consistently, and in accordance with company policy, • Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture aligned with Stellar Snacks' values, • Partner with HR on employee relations matters, disciplinary actions, and promotion recommendations Food Safety, Quality & GMP Compliance • Ensure all production activities comply with Stellar Snacks' food safety standards, GMPs, and quality specifications, • Conduct pre-shift and in-shift quality checks; verify that products meet weight, seal, coding, color, texture, and allergen requirements, • Enforce allergen control procedures, including ensuring proper cleaning between allergen and non-allergen runs, • Ensure all LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures are followed during maintenance and equipment changes, • Immediately escalate any food safety, quality, or food defense concerns to QC, the Operations Manager, or appropriate leadership, • Ensure all required documentation — production records, quality checks, sanitation logs — is completed accurately and on time Sanitation & Housekeeping • Ensure the production floor, equipment, and surrounding areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and sanitary condition throughout the shift, • Assign and oversee sanitation tasks in accordance with the sanitation schedule and food safety requirements, • Verify that sanitation is completed to standard before shift changeovers and at end of shift Safety • Champion a safety-first culture on the production floor — lead by example and hold all team members accountable to safety standards, • Conduct daily safety walks and address hazards immediately, • Ensure all employees are wearing required PPE at all times in designated areas, • Report all safety incidents, near-misses, and injuries to the Operations Manager and Safety team promptly, • Participate in safety investigations and corrective action follow-up Cross-Functional Communication • Serve as the primary communication link between the production floor and the Operations Manager — escalate issues, flag risks, and share opportunities proactively, • Coordinate with Maintenance on equipment issues, work orders, and preventive maintenance scheduling to minimize production impact, • Communicate effectively with QC, warehouse, supply chain, and other departments to resolve issues and keep production on track, • Participate in operational meetings, shift reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives All other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises all production floor employees on the assigned shift, including Packaging Machine Operators (PMOs), Oven Operators, Bakers, Packers, and Line Leads. Responsible for daily direction, performance feedback, coaching, and accountability of all direct reports. Qualifications & Education Requirements Education • High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, Food Science, or related field preferred Experience & Skills • 2+ years of supervisory or lead experience in a food manufacturing or production environment preferred, • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop front-line production teams, • Strong knowledge of food safety, GMPs, and LOTO procedures, • Ability to read and interpret production schedules, quality specifications, and standard operating procedures, • Strong communication skills — able to deliver clear direction to the production floor and effectively report up to management, • Ability to make quick, sound decisions in a fast-paced environment, • Basic math skills for production tracking, weight checks, and documentation, • Bilingual in English and Spanish is beneficial Certifications • HACCP and SQF certifications preferred; must be obtained within the first 90 days of employment if not already held, • LOTO training required upon hire Physical Demands & Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Working conditions are normal for a food manufacturing environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and communicate clearly. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. The work environment involves exposure to heat, noise, moving machinery, and food allergens. Use of PPE — including eye protection, hearing protection, and hair nets — is required at all times on the production floor.