Production Supervisor

O'Brien Fine Foods; Mullingar; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

O'Brien Fine Foods in Ireland is seeking a Production Supervisor to oversee the production area, ensure safe, smooth operations and act as a key link between teams and senior management.

You will develop Team Leaders, manage headcount, monitor KPIs, uphold food safety and hygiene standards, and drive continuous improvement through GEMBA and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Agricultural Science, or related discipline.
• Previous supervisory experience managing large teams.
• Experience in FMCG or food production environment.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Autonomy: Makes day‑to‑day operational decisions, escalates complex issues to Production Manager, and leads the operations team independently.
• Influence: Builds strong relationships with Quality, Maintenance, Planning, NPD, Health & Safety, and HR; influences team performance and development.
• Complexity: Manages fast‑paced production demands, multiple priorities, KPIs, employee development, and compliance with food safety, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Build meaningful relationships with cross‑functional departments.
• Develop and implement development plans for Team Leaders.
• Monitor staff breaks, holidays, performance, and absenteeism.
• Ensure all team members complete statutory and skills training.
• Maintain headcount levels and support the HR lifecycle for new hires.
• Ensure a safe working environment and promote Health & Safety culture.
• Maintain highest food quality and hygiene standards (7s compliant).
• Manage performance including plan attainment, yield, productivity and efficiencies.
• Reduce environmental impact through sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.
• Lead improvement projects, meetings, and participate in GEMBA activities.
• KPIs: Plan attainment, yield performance, absenteeism control, training completion, hygiene & safety compliance, productivity metrics.

Skills

Relationship building

Multitasking

Organisation

Knowledge of food processes

Adaptability in fast-paced settings

People development

Care, Commitment, Trust values

Education

Degree in Food Science or Agricultural Science or related

Job description

Role Information

• Job Title: Production Supervisor
• Department: Operations
• Site: Green Farm Fine Foods, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath
• Reporting to (Role): Production Manager
• Track (Individual Contributor / People Manager): People Manager
• Job Family: Operations

Role Purpose (Summary)

Supervise the production team and activities across the production area to ensure smooth, safe, and continuous operations. Act as a key link between production teams and senior management while motivating and developing Team Leaders to meet targets and KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Autonomy: Makes day‑to‑day operational decisions, escalates complex issues to Production Manager, and leads the operations team independently.
2. Influence: Builds strong relationships with Quality, Maintenance, Planning, NPD, Health & Safety, and HR; influences team performance and development.
3. Complexity: Manages fast‑paced production demands, multiple priorities, KPIs, employee development, and compliance with food safety, hygiene, and safety standards.
4. Build meaningful relationships with cross‑functional departments.
5. Develop and implement development plans for Team Leaders.
6. Monitor staff breaks, holidays, performance, and absenteeism.
7. Ensure all team members complete statutory and skills training.
8. Maintain headcount levels and support the HR lifecycle for new hires.
9. Ensure a safe working environment and promote Health & Safety culture.
10. Maintain highest food quality and hygiene standards (7s compliant).
11. Manage performance including plan attainment, yield, productivity and efficiencies.
12. Reduce environmental impact through sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.
13. Lead improvement projects, meetings, and participate in GEMBA activities.

Skills / Preparation Requirements

Education & Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Agricultural Science, or related discipline.

Knowledge & Experience

• Previous supervisory experience managing large teams.
• Experience in FMCG or food production environment.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in English.

Core Skills

• Relationship building
• Multitasking and organisation
• Knowledge of food processes
• Adaptability in fast‑paced settings
• People development skills
• Displays organisational values: Care, Commitment, Trust

Working Conditions

Fast‑paced production environment; shift work may apply; on‑site presence required.

Effort Requirements

Requires physical movement on the production floor and emotional resilience in managing teams.

People Management Responsibility (if applicable)

Responsible for Team Leaders and Operatives in the designated area.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Plan attainment
• Yield performance
• Absenteeism control
• Training completion rates
• Hygiene & safety compliance
• Productivity metrics