Production Supervisor - 2nd Shift

Fair Oaks Foods; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Fair Oaks Foods in Davenport, Iowa, is seeking a Production Supervisor to lead hourly employees in a food manufacturing plant. Responsibilities include supervision, safety enforcement, training, and maintaining product quality. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, at least 2 years of supervisory experience, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and employee development.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in supervision/management.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in food industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise hourly employees and assign work.
• Implement safety and quality policies.
• Train employees on safe operating procedures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Time management

Communication skills

Delegation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Production Supervisor

Supervises hourly employees in a food manufacturing plant. Assigns work and implements policies and procedures. Improves working conditions (safety, quality, productivity, and cost) and increases subordinates’ skills and capabilities. Assists the Operations Manager in improving and sustaining production, standard operating procedures, people safety, quality control, employee relations, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily walks and visual inspections of the Production floor in observation of unsafe acts or conditions; takes immediate corrective action where necessary.
• Maintains safety/environmental self-audits & visual checks, champions all safety or ergonomic activities for the department and helps to develop and meet plant safety goals.
• Trains employees to ensure safe operating procedures are followed, including lock‑out and tag‑out.
• Maintains desired product quality and safety. Ensures all staff and employees know, understand and follow the Food Safety plan and the Food Quality plan.
• Forecasts crewing needs to meet peak demands and efficiency goals of the business and staff.
• Accordingly, trains, motivates, coaches, rewards, and disciplines supervised crew; resolves personnel issues.
• Adheres to product specification requirements throughout the manufacturing process to maintain the desired product quality results.
• Coordinates with the Operations Manager and Human Resources Manager on personnel matters including vacation approvals, time‑card approvals, daily and weekly overtime, hiring, and training.
• Maintains adequate knowledge of products and equipment to ensure the ability to direct employees to perform the job properly.
• Ensures tasks are completed in accordance with HACCP and USDA regulations; takes corrective action when necessary.
• Walks the production floor daily and holds monthly line meetings to address questions and concerns.
• Maintains or exceeds goals on volume, yields, and efficiencies.
• Works with the Operations Managers and/or Superintendents/Supervisors to maintain knowledge of yields and variances, methods of calculations, typical problem areas and methods for corrections and improvement.
• Suggests changes in workflow processes and use of equipment to increase efficiency of the department and/or production crew to maintain the lowest level of downtime and product costs possible.
• Traces and analyzes key product result measures for improvement opportunities.
• Observes safety and security procedures such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) sheets, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), LOTO as trained and certified, Emergency Evacuations, and Building Security; reports potentially unsafe conditions and injuries: near miss/incidents/accidents in a timely manner; uses and cares for company equipment and materials properly.
• Maintains accurate inventories and manufacturing processing data.
• Works cross‑functionally to ensure daily and long‑term plant goals are met.
• Champions continuous improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Preferred candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in food science or other appropriate fields that include business management, agribusiness, and science.
• Must have at least 2 years of experience in supervision/management.
• Preferred candidates should have food industry experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinates.
• Competence in subordinates’ duties and tasks.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Ability to delegate work assignments, give authority to work independently, set expectations, and monitor progress.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both private and group settings.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds.
• Bilingual skills are preferred but not required.
• Ability to understand all safety requirements and cautions.
• Good time management and the ability to effectively prioritize personal and subordinate expectations.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Basic computer skills including professional digital communication, the Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn and utilize new and changing IT‑related tools and applications.
• Ability to gather and analyze information effectively to identify and resolve challenges.
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed in a manufacturing and office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Standing and/or walking throughout the shift.
• Perform physical skills: hold, feel, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, and listen.
• Lifting / Carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Use of both hands when required; some repetitive motion required.
• Work in both extreme hot and cold temperatures as well as wet conditions.

Fair Oaks Foods assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices, which include all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to “legally protected categories” such as race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.