Production Supervisor

Balchem Corp.; Albert Lea, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Balchem Corporation in Minnesota is hiring a 3rd shift extrusion supervisor to manage the shift, supervise operators and maintenance, and ensure safety and product quality. The role requires a BA/BS with 2–3 years of related experience and supervisory background.

You will train staff on GMPs, safety procedures, and lean practices, while monitoring inventories, paperwork, and adherence to company standards. The position emphasizes leadership and continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a related field and 2–3 years of related experience or training
• Previous manufacturing supervisory experience required; food manufacturing is a plus
• Strong motivation, organization, time management, documentation, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel and Word), and quality/process oriented
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and write simple correspondence; effective communication and conflict resolution
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and 5S; Six Sigma training a plus
• Training and mentoring mindset with a strong safety orientation
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently; willingness to train employees on all shifts

Responsibilities

• Manage, motivate, monitor, and evaluate the performance of leads and operators on their shift
• Supervise extrusion activities (including maintenance) on their shift
• Train operators on GMPs, OSHA safety training, lockout/tag out, Sanitation, Master Sanitation Schedule, line set up and other procedures
• Keep a neat, clean, and orderly work setting by completing the cleaning tasks as assigned
• Observe safety and security procedures and report unsafe conditions
• Monitor inventories and ingredient usage; ensure paperwork is complete and compliant with company standards
• Monitor product quality and report deviations to Extrusion Manager
• Motivate safety and continuous improvement culture while achieving operating goals
• Develop and manage the extrusion production team
• Adhere to company policies and procedures on safety and maintenance
• Become proficient in production and safety policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Supervisory experience

Manufacturing supervision

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Six Sigma training

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Time management

Documentation

Safety orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art solutions and the finest quality products for a range of industries worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ – “BCPC”) with annual revenues over $900 million and a market cap exceeding $4.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions. To learn more about our dynamic, stable and growing company, visit www.balchem.com.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the efficient day to night operation of the production rooms on 3rd 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 and applicable laws
• Train operators on various 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 a neat, clean, and orderly work setting by completing the 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 (including time cards) in an accurate and timely manner; ensure the documentation complies with Company standards
• Monitor product quality to meet Company standards; report to Extrusion Manager any deviation of scheduling or quality of service that may become a potential liability
• Motivate the safety and continuous improvement culture while achieving operating goals to meet growth expectations
• Development and management of the extrusion production team
• Adhere to all Company policies and procedures, i.e. personnel, safety, and equipment maintenance and upkeep
• Become proficient in areas of production and safety policies and procedures (accident/injury reporting, blood borne pathogens, confined spaces, emergency evacuation, equipment operation/maintenance, hazard communication, ladders, lockout/tag out, personal protective equipment, etc.)
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BS) two to three years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education or experience required
• Previous manufacturing supervisory experience is required, food manufacturing is a plus
• Must be equipped with strong motivation, organization, time management, documentation, and communication skills (both oral and written)
• Must have excellent attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Individual should demonstrate strong work ethics (punctual, dependable, and trustworthy)
• Proficiency with computer systems and software programs, especially Microsoft Office (Excel and Word), and be quality/process oriented
• Ability to utilize common sense and skills in completing responsibilities and operating equipment conforming to Company production, personnel, and safety procedures is needed
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, memos, and the ability to write simple correspondence is necessary
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization as well as communicate and handle conflict in a professional manner
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and 5S organizational tools; Six Sigma training a plus
• Training and mentoring mindset with a strong safety orientation
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently; ability and willingness to provide support and training to employees on all shifts

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear
• The employee is occasionally required to kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, ascend and descend stairs and/or ladders
• The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms
• The employee 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
• This job is performed in a production environment in a manufacturing location
• The noise level in the plant is moderate to loud
• There will be exposure to machine noise and food dust when in the plant
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and with or around various chemicals
• The employee is occasionally exposed to vibration and risk of electric shock
• The employee will frequently use lifts and go up in the air while scored in order 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.

#IND123

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

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