Production Supervisor

Socotra, Inc.; Lawton (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive Culture

Paid Time Off

Paid Volunteer Time Off

Development & Advancement

401K match

Flexible Benefits

Parental Leave

Job summary

Welch's is seeking a Production Supervisor to lead a 24/7 manufacturing site in Lawton, Michigan. You will coach a team to meet daily safety, quality, service, and productivity goals while ensuring on-time production execution and continuous improvement.

You will collaborate with Maintenance and other plant teams, drive safety and sanitation standards, and develop employees through feedback and performance reviews. A bachelor's degree and manufacturing experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience leading or supervising employees in a manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop production employees to achieve daily safety, quality, service, and productivity goals.
• Own day-to-day execution of the production schedule, quickly identifying and addressing issues that could impact performance.
• Monitor production lines, equipment, and processes to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Track production results and downtime, identifying opportunities to improve line performance and reduce losses.
• Partner closely with Maintenance to troubleshoot equipment issues, coordinate repairs, and minimize production disruptions.
• Maintain high standards for sanitation, housekeeping, and food safety throughout the department.
• Lead safety expectations within your area, reinforcing safe work practices and proactively addressing potential risks.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and other plant teams to keep production running smoothly and priorities aligned.
• Train, coach, and develop employees while providing clear expectations, timely feedback, and accountability.
• Lead team meetings focused on safety, training, performance, and problem-solving.
• Ensure necessary production supplies and ingredients are available to support current and upcoming schedules.
• Oversee packaging rework activities and ensure quality requirements are consistently maintained.
• Support employee relations and administer applicable contractual requirements within the department.
• Evaluate probationary and temporary employees and provide feedback on performance and development.
• Help create a high-performance manufacturing culture built around teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and respect.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Problem-solving

Safety

Collaboration

Shift flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Job description

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Overview

As aProduction Supervisor, you’ll be a key leader on the manufacturing floor, responsible for keeping people, production, safety, quality, and performance moving in the right direction every day.

You’ll lead and develop a team of production employees while ensuring products are packaged and processed safely, efficiently, and to Welch’s quality standards. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being close to the operation, solving problems in real time, developing people, and continuously looking for ways to make the team and operation better.

Where You'll Work

This role is based out of our24/7 manufacturing facility in Lawton, Michigan, where you'll play a key leadership role in supporting one of Welch's most important production sites.

What You'll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop production employees to achieve daily safety, quality, service, and productivity goals.
• Own day-to-day execution of the production schedule, quickly identifying and addressing issues that could impact performance.
• Monitor production lines, equipment, and processes to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Track production results and downtime, identifying opportunities to improve line performance and reduce losses.
• Partner closely with Maintenance to troubleshoot equipment issues, coordinate repairs, and minimize production disruptions.
• Maintain high standards for sanitation, housekeeping, and food safety throughout the department.
• Lead safety expectations within your area, reinforcing safe work practices and proactively addressing potential risks.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and other plant teams to keep production running smoothly and priorities aligned.
• Train, coach, and develop employees while providing clear expectations, timely feedback, and accountability.
• Lead team meetings focused on safety, training, performance, and problem-solving.
• Ensure necessary production supplies and ingredients are available to support current and upcoming schedules.
• Oversee packaging rework activities and ensure quality requirements are consistently maintained.
• Support employee relations and administer applicable contractual requirements within the department.
• Evaluate probationary and temporary employees and provide feedback on performance and development.
• Help create a high-performance manufacturing culture built around teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and respect.

Who You Are

• A hands-on leadership style and a genuine interest in coaching and developing people.
• The confidence to address performance issues directly while providing clear, constructive feedback.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
• A focus on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work collaboratively across Production, Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, and other plant functions.
• Flexibility to work second or third shift in a five-day production environment, including weekend coverage when business needs require.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience leading or supervising employees in a manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement preferred.

What You'll Enjoy

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
• Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
• Passionate Community:You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
• Paid Time Off and Holidays:Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
• Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
• Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
• Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
• 401K plan with Generous Company Match
• Flexible Benefits from your first day:Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
• Paid parental (and adoption) leave- Available after 6 months of employment

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and is Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.