Production Supervisor

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Athens, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking a Production Supervisor to oversee third shift operations in a dairy processing environment. You will guide production staff to maintain safety, quality, and on-time fulfillment of orders while ensuring compliance with GMP and company policies.

The role requires strong leadership and communication skills, plus a track record of optimizing workflows and driving continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Undergraduate degree preferred for progression.
• 2–5 years’ manufacturing experience with leadership background.
• Demonstrated leadership aptitude or supervisory experience.
• Certification and/or license may be required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, assign work, and provide clear direction to production employees to meet daily goals.
• Monitor operations (milk receiving, standardizing, pasteurization, separating, freezing, filling, packaging) to ensure quality standards.
• Ensure equipment is functioning and sanitized; arrange repairs as needed.
• Promote safety, investigate incidents, and report injuries to HR promptly.
• Administer policies, procedures, and programs related to operations and food safety.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Supervisory experience

Communication

Interpersonal skills

English proficiency

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Undergraduate degree preferred

Certification and/or License may be required

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

General Purpose

Provide work direction and supervision to production employees within the guidelines of standard work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Monitor all stages of the production process and ensure accurate processing of product and/or fulfillment of customer orders through appropriate production scheduling. Hold self and others accountable for promoting safety rules and regulations and act in accordance with the requirements for food safety and quality. Ensure that the production process flows smoothly, and daily production goals are met. Function as a resource and point of escalation to direct reports. Coach, mentor, and provide performance development opportunities to team members on an ongoing basis.

Schedule

Third shift: Monday-Friday 12:00am-8:30am

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedule, assign work, and provide clear direction to production employees. Ensure that the production process flows smoothly, and daily production goals are met
• Monitor operations activities (milk receiving, standardizing, pasteurization, separating, freezing, cooling, filling, mixing, packaging, storing, etc.) to ensure that plant production and quality standards are met
• Monitor the equipment used in production processes to ensure that equipment is functioning efficiently and is properly cleaned and sanitized. Arrange for timely repair/resolution of equipment failures
• Actively promote safe work behaviors and hold self and direct reports accountable for following safety rules and regulations. Conduct accident/injury investigations and send reports of injury to HR in a timely manner to meet rapid reporting standards. May coordinate and/or facilitate plant safety meetings and training
• Understand and fulfill the requirements and regulations for food safety and quality. Administer policies, procedures and programs related to operations
• Supervise production scheduling so appropriate quantities and varieties of product are produced to fill orders, meet demand, meet productivity goals, etc. Ensure materials (e.g., ingredients, packaging) are appropriately staged for next production runs
• Proactively look for ways to increase operational efficiency and contain costs
• Work effectively with employees to promote positive and productive working relationships. Effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances
• Actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods
• Complete supervisory activities such as administering employee promotions and transfers; reviewing and editing employee timekeeping; completing performance evaluations; mentoring, training, and coaching employees
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred
• 2 to 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing
• Demonstrated leadership aptitude, team lead experience, or supervisory experience
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of manufacturing process flow and importance to process
• Knowledge of continuous improvement models
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to think and use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information
• Able to demonstrate initiative and follow through on day-to-day responsibilities
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans