Packaging Supervisor

Hickory Foods Inc.; Nebraska; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Hickory Foods Inc. is seeking a Packaging Supervisor to oversee daily packaging operations in their burger manufacturing facility in Hastings, Nebraska. This role is crucial for ensuring that products are packaged safely and efficiently while meeting quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience in food production, strong leadership skills, and a solid understanding of food safety regulations. To thrive in this position, one should be adept in training team members and ensuring compliance with industry guidelines.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in meat processing, food production, or packaging operations.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Knowledge of food safety programs including HACCP, GMPs, SQF, and USDA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise packaging line employees during shifts.
• Ensure accurate packaging according to customer specifications.
• Monitor packaging equipment performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree

Tools

Automated packaging equipment

Production management software

Job description

Job Title

Packaging Supervisor – Packaging Plant

Location

Hastings, Nebraska

Department

Production / Packaging Operations

Reports To

Production Manager or Plant Manager

Position Summary

The Packaging Supervisor oversees daily packaging operations in a burger manufacturing facility, ensuring that beef patties and related products are packaged safely, efficiently, and according to quality and food safety standards. This position leads packaging team members, monitors production performance, maintains compliance with USDA, HACCP, GMP, and company policies, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to meet production goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate packaging line employees during assigned shifts.
• Ensure burger products are packaged accurately according to customer specifications and production schedules.
• Monitor packaging equipment performance and coordinate with maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Verify product quality, labeling accuracy, coding, weight compliance, and package integrity.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, USDA, HACCP, GMP, and workplace safety requirements.
• Conduct line inspections and ensure proper documentation is completed accurately and on time.
• Train, coach, and develop packaging employees on safety procedures, quality standards, and operational best practices.
• Schedule labor resources to meet production targets while controlling overtime and labor costs.
• Investigate production issues and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including throughput, yield, downtime, quality defects, and labor utilization.
• Ensure a clean and organized work environment through adherence to sanitation and housekeeping standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in meat processing, food production, or packaging operations.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Knowledge of food safety programs including HACCP, GMPs, SQF, and USDA regulations.
• Experience with automated packaging equipment and production reporting systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production management software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in refrigerated food production environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds throughout the shift.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, overtime, and holidays as required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in beef or protein processing operations.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills are a plus.

Key Performance Measures

• Safety performance and incident reduction.
• Packaging line efficiency and throughput.
• Product quality and customer compliance.
• Labor productivity and attendance management.
• Food safety and audit performance.
• Employee development and retention.