Production Supervisor

Balchem; Albert Lea (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Balchem in Albert Lea, Minnesota, is seeking a Supervisor for the Extrusion production rooms. The role includes managing daily operations, supervising leads and operators, and ensuring compliance with safety procedures.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food-related. This position offers a competitive salary in the range of $65,000 - $75,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in a supervisory role in manufacturing.
• Previous food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate and document processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Extrusion production rooms.
• Supervise and evaluate performance of team members.
• Train operators on equipment and safety procedures.

Skills

Motivation

Organization

Time management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to multi-task

Self-motivation

Lean Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BS)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel and Word)

Job description

Balchem Corporation, and its subsidiaries, offers a competitive salary and benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the efficient day to day operation of the Extrusion production rooms on first shift.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage, motivate, monitor, and evaluate the performance and responsibilities of leads and operators on their shift.
• Supervise extrusion activities (including maintenance) on their shift.
• Carry out mandatory responsibilities in accordance with Balchem Corporation’s applicable laws.
• Train operators on equipment and processes including good manufacturing practices, OSHA safety training, lockout/tag out, sanitation, master sanitation schedule, general housekeeping/line clean up, line set up, and other procedures.
• Keep the work setting neat, clean, and orderly by completing cleaning tasks as assigned.
• Observe safety and security procedures, determine appropriate action beyond guidelines, and report potentially unsafe conditions.
• Monitor inventories and ingredient usage; ensure all paperwork is complete and accurate in a timely manner, and that documentation complies with Company standards.
• Monitor product quality to meet Company standards; report to the Extrusion Manager any deviation in scheduling or quality of service that may become a potential liability.
• Motivate a safety and continuous improvement culture while achieving operating goals to meet growth expectations.
• Develop and manage the extrusion production team.
• Adhere to all Company policies and procedures, including personnel, safety, and equipment maintenance and upkeep.
• Become proficient in production and safety policies and procedures (e.g., accident/injury reporting, blood borne pathogens, confined spaces, emergency evacuation, equipment operation/maintenance, hazard communication, ladders, lockout/tag out, personal protective equipment).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BS) and two to three years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education or experience.
• Previous manufacturing supervisory experience is required; food manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Strong motivation, organization, time management, documentation, and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to multi‑task and prioritize.
• Strong work ethics: punctual, dependable, and trustworthy.
• Proficiency with computer systems and software programs, especially Microsoft Office (Excel and Word), and a quality/process orientation.
• Ability to apply common sense and skills to complete responsibilities and operate equipment in compliance with company production, personnel, and safety procedures.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and write simple instructions and correspondence.
• Ability to present information effectively in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees, and to handle conflict professionally.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and 5S organizational tools; Six Sigma training is a plus.
• Training and mentoring mindset with a strong safety orientation.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work independently; willingness to provide support and training to employees on all shifts.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Occasionally required to kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, ascend and descend stairs and/or ladders.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• May often lift and/or move up to 55 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Job performed in a production environment at a manufacturing location.
• Noise level in the plant is moderate to loud.
• Exposure to machine noise and food dust.
• Regularly works near moving mechanical parts and with or around various chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to vibration and risk of electric shock.
• Frequent use of lifts and working at height while scoring to inspect, clean and troubleshoot the machine.
• Production environment includes varying temperatures (heat, cold, and moisture).

The expected salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 per year.