Production Supervisor

kemps; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kemps in Rochester, MN is seeking a Production Supervisor to lead a team on the 4:30am shift. You will direct daily operations, ensure safety, quality, and on-time fulfillment of orders while coordinating with maintenance and HR as needed.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and the ability to manage scheduling, GMP compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives within a food manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Leadership and supervisory skills with a track record of team development.
• Experience directing production in a food/beverage environment is preferred.
• Ability to implement GMP and safety policies in daily operations.
• Strong communication skills for shift meetings and reporting.
• Read, write, and speak English fluently.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, assign work, and provide clear direction to production employees. Ensure the production process flows smoothly and daily goals are met.
• Monitor operations (milk receiving, standardizing, pasteurization, separating, freezing, packaging, etc.) to meet quality standards.
• Oversee equipment reliability and sanitation; coordinate repairs as needed.
• Promote safe work behaviors; conduct safety investigations and report incidents to HR.
• Supervise production scheduling to align with orders and inventory readiness; support cost containment initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with the team and escalate issues as needed; administer disciplinary actions per policy.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Production scheduling

Safety compliance

Communication

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Manufacturing ERP

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.

Shift: Monday-Friday start time of 4:30am

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