Production Supervisor - Pet Freeze Dry

Shift: Monday - Thursday 6am-6pm

Thrive Freeze Dry is seeking an experienced and motivated Production Supervisor to lead daily operations within our Pet Freeze Dry manufacturing department. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production while maintaining compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.

The Production Supervisor works closely with the Plant Manager and leadership team to coordinate production activities, supervise employees, optimize workflow, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is committed to employee development, operational excellence, and product quality.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Supervise daily production activities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant processing of products.
• Monitor production performance to achieve established quality, safety, efficiency, and output goals.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and regulatory standards related to food safety, HACCP, GMPs, sanitation, and workplace safety.
• Maintain a working knowledge of freeze-drying processes and product handling requirements.
• Operate and troubleshoot production and packaging equipment as needed.
• Complete and verify production documentation accurately, including weights, lot tracking, and traceability records.
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, and shift assignments to meet operational demands.
• Identify and recommend process improvements that enhance quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Minimize product loss, damage, and rework through effective oversight and employee training.
• Delegate assignments, resolve operational issues, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to maximize plant efficiency and product quality.
• Provide hands-on support in production areas when required.
• Ensure employees are properly trained on equipment, processes, and safe work practices.
• Enforce sanitation standards and proper product handling procedures.
• Maintain safe operation of machinery and equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Leadership & Employee Engagement

• Assist with onboarding and orientation of new employees.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to team members.
• Lead by example in professionalism, attendance, personal hygiene, and workplace organization.
• Conduct employee one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Effectively address employee concerns and navigate difficult conversations professionally.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the department.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain employee schedules and staffing plans.
• Lead daily production huddles and department meetings.
• Track attendance and maintain accurate employee records.
• Review and submit weekly payroll information.
• Maintain accurate production and inventory records within Microsoft Dynamics NAV or related ERP systems.
• Complete incident reports and required operational documentation.
• Utilize Microsoft Office applications for reporting, communication, and data management.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 2+ years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in freeze-dry manufacturing or food processing is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills are a plus.

Professional Skills

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing production demands.
• Proven ability to motivate, coach, and manage employees effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and food production equipment.
• Combination of production floor and office work.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout scheduled shifts as needed.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with Company Contribution
• Company-Sponsored Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• 401(k) with Employer Match (eligibility requirements apply)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Cell Phone Reimbursement

Food Safety & Quality Responsibilities

• Maintain a high level of commitment to food safety, quality, and sanitation standards.
• Understand and follow all Thrive Freeze Dry food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Immediately communicate any food safety, quality, or sanitation concerns to leadership.
• Hold self and team members accountable to established food safety and quality expectations.
• Support SQF and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• In the absence of Quality Assurance leadership, assist in ensuring food safety, quality objectives, and SQF system requirements are maintained.