Production Supervisor - 3rd Shift

3M HEALTHCARE; Grayson (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield in Kentucky seeks a hands-on Production Supervisor to lead front-line operations, monitor yields, and make real-time adjustments to keep production running smoothly while upholding safety standards and USDA guidelines.

You will coach and train hourly staff, conduct safety audits, track performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement across processes, equipment, and workflows to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• Experience leading training or mentoring staff.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations and maintain safety standards.
• Conduct safety audits and ensure HACCP and USDA compliance.
• Train and motivate hourly employees on SOPs and safety.
• Track yields, efficiencies, and variances to improve workflows.
• Lead monthly line meetings and communicate production goals.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Team leadership

Adaptable

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

SAP

Spreadsheets (Excel)

Word

Order processing software

Inventory software

Job description

Job Role Overview

In this position you will lead production operations on the front lines, overseeing the entire manufacturing process from tracking yields to making real‑time adjustments that keep production running smoothly. You will ensure safety and USDA health standards are met at every stage, maintain the trusted quality of our brands, and guide employees toward high performance through training, coaching, and motivating them to achieve production goals.

Responsibilities

• Safety and Compliance: Perform daily inspections, take immediate corrective actions, lead safety audits, champion ergonomic initiatives, and ensure adherence to HACCP and USDA regulations.
• Product Quality and Training: Enforce food safety and quality plans, train employees on safe operating procedures (including lock‑out/tag‑out), and ensure tasks are performed according to product specifications.
• Operational Efficiency: Track and analyze production yields, efficiencies, and variances; collaborate with Operations Managers and Supervisors to improve workflows and equipment use, minimizing downtime and reducing costs.
• Team Leadership and Communication: Direct hourly production employees, align on safety, quality, and production goals, lead monthly line meetings, and walk the production floor daily.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze key product performance metrics, identify improvement areas, and recommend changes to enhance production efficiency while maintaining high standards of quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Business or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience (minimum 2+ years of relevant experience).
• Experience leading training, coaching, or mentoring of less experienced staff, or managing a process or project.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; proven ability to lead problem‑solving efforts for complex process issues with solid analytical and math abilities.
• Proficient at motivating, training, and coaching employees to achieve peak performance while fostering a positive, respectful, and team‑oriented work environment.
• Adaptable to fast‑paced, dynamic environments; capable of working in varying conditions (heat and cold); willing to work long hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency with SAP, internet tools, spreadsheets, Word, order processing, and inventory software.
• Experience in food processing, leadership, and manufacturing, with knowledge of yields, plant efficiencies, and operating procedures.
• Bonus: bilingual language skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The plant environment includes wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise is usually moderate but can be loud in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.

Relocation Package

Relocation Package Available: No

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status, status as a disabled individual, or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757‑357‑1595.