Production Supervisor

Reporting to the Production Manager, the role is responsible for supervising daily production activities and ensuring manufacturing operations are performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality and food safety standards. During facility development, commissioning, and startup, the role works closely with the Production Manager and cross-functional partners to support production readiness, production scheduling, workforce planning, employee training, and the development and implementation of production SOPs and standardised work. The role coordinates production staff, supports operational goals, monitors production performance, and helps drive continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring adherence to company and HQ standards.

• Supervise daily production activities, including commissioning, startup, and ramp-up, to ensure manufacturing schedules are achieved safely, efficiently, and on time; monitor production processes and address operational issues to minimise downtime and maintain productivity.
• Ensure approved production procedures, work instructions, and HQ operational standards are followed, providing production input as standards are developed and refined during startup
• Coordinate shift activities, staffing requirements, and production readiness priorities to meet production targets and startup objectives.
• Escalate significant production issues to the Production Manager and assist with implementing corrective actions.
• Provide day-to-day supervision, direction, and support to production employees
• Assign work responsibilities and monitor employee performance throughout the shift
• Train and onboard new employees on production processes, quality requirements, safety procedures, and approved SOPs/work instructions
• Support employee qualification and cross-training as the operation develops.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment; provide coaching and feedback and support performance improvement and employee development; develop Shift Leads and high-potential employees through coaching, training, delegation, and increasing operational responsibility.
• Ensure products are manufactured in compliance with quality standards and food safety requirements
• Perform routine production checks and verify adherence to operating procedures
• Work closely with the Quality team to address non-conformances, implement corrective actions, and support audits, inspections, and food safety programs.
• Ensure employees follow health, safety, and environmental requirements; promote a strong safety culture and lead by example; conduct routine workplace inspections, report hazards, and participate in safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate labour, equipment, and materials to support efficient production operations; communicate material shortages, equipment issues, and resource concerns to appropriate departments.
• Develop and maintain short-term production schedules and changeover plans in alignment with the Production Manager, considering staffing, material availability, equipment capacity, sanitation, and maintenance requirements
• Identify scheduling, staffing, material, equipment, or capacity constraints and communicate significant risks to the Production Manager and cross-functional partners.
• Maintain accurate production records, shift reports, downtime documentation, and operational logs; track production performance and communicate daily results to the Production Manager; support investigations into production losses, downtime, and quality issues.
• Monitor, communicate, and drive performance against established production KPIs, identifying performance gaps and coordinating corrective actions to improve safety, quality, productivity, labour efficiency, yield, waste reduction, and schedule attainment.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support implementation and ongoing improvement of standardised work practices, SOPs, and operational best practices based on commissioning experience, production results, and employee feedback
• Support initiatives focused on waste reduction, loss elimination, equipment reliability, operational excellence, and improved labour utilisation
• Lead daily shift performance reviews and support visual management systems to drive accountability and operational performance.
• Work closely with Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, Procurement, Warehouse, Engineering, and project/startup resources to support production readiness and smooth operations
• Communicate production priorities, challenges, and operational requirements to stakeholders
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and support implementation of operational initiatives as priorities, processes, and responsibilities evolve.
• Act as a key production representative during startup by encouraging practical input from Shift Leads and production employees and helping translate lessons learned into sustainable operating practices.

• Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and production operations.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, GMPs, and health and safety requirements.
• Experience using production management systems, ERP systems, and manufacturing software.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and organisational skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in a changing environment.

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience preferred in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting commissioning, startup, operational readiness, or ramp-up activities is considered a strong asset.
• Previous experience in a lead hand, team lead, or supervisory capacity preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, SOP/standard work development, and employee training systems is an asset.