Production Supervisor, MI

Description

Title: Production Supervisor

Reports To: Production Manager

Location: Benton Harbor, MI

Type: Full-Time | On-Site | Exempt

LOCATION AND COMPANY SUMMARY

Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, Benton Harbor offers a unique blend of affordability, opportunity, and lakeside living that’s hard to beat. Just minutes from the charming waterfront community of St. Joseph (less than a 20-minute drive), residents enjoy easy access to sandy beaches, boutique shopping, and year-round festivals. The area is also within a short drive of South Haven (about 30 minutes) and under two hours from Chicago, making weekend getaways effortless. 

With nearby wineries, golf courses, and outdoor recreation, plus a growing local food and arts scene, Benton Harbor delivers a laid-back lifestyle with big-city access—perfect for professionals looking to grow their careers without sacrificing quality of life.

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Production Supervisor leads the day-to-day operation of one or more assigned production lines based on production needs. The Supervisor is responsible for safe, compliant, and efficient line performance; directs the employees assigned to the line(s); and makes day-to-day decisions about work priorities, staffing assignments, workflow, and employee support. The Supervisor occasionally assists with production tasks while continuing to lead the team, overseeing production results and performing any other tasks required by Production Management.  

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Directly supervises a line team of production employees during normal operations and remains responsible for their assignments, performance, and work results throughout the shift.
• Assigns employees to production lines and workstations at shift start and throughout the shift; reallocates labor, adjusts workstation coverage, and changes work priorities in response to production requirements, absences, bottlenecks, safety concerns, and operating conditions.
• Prepares the initial work schedule and staffing plan for assigned operations based on production requirements, employee availability and coverage needs. 
• Regularly evaluates assigned employees and partners with the Production Manager to identify and raise conduct, attendance, or performance issues warranting formal discipline. 
• Provides important, timely, and documented recommendations regarding termination, advancement, promotion, transfer, work assignment, training, and recognition, and is regularly involved in the related evaluation and employee conversations. 
• Makes day-to-day decisions within company policies, production plans, food-safety requirements, and approved staffing parameters, and promptly escalates matters to leadership. 
• Plan, organize, and direct daily work for assigned line(s), translating the production plan into employee assignments, work sequences, methods, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Prepare the initial work schedule and staffing plan for assigned operations; submit it to the Production Manager for final approval and Paylocity entry; and recommend schedule or coverage changes as production and staffing needs evolve.
• Assess staffing and workflow at startup and throughout the shift; assign and reassign employees among lines and workstations; redistribute labor and adjust coverage to maintain safe, efficient production within approved staffing levels.
• Direct employees' work, provide instructions, monitor completion, correct deviations, and hold employees accountable for safety, quality, conduct, attendance, productivity, and work standards.
• Make real-time operating decisions regarding work sequence, labor deployment, line priorities, material flow, and corrective action, and remain responsible for assigned line performance and results.
• Manage line performance against company objectives, including productivity and efficiency, yield and waste, quality and food safety, sanitation, occupational safety, and adherence to approved overtime parameters.
• Evaluate employee productivity, efficiency, conduct, attendance, and readiness for greater responsibility; conduct coaching and performance discussions; recognize achievements; and submit supported recommendations regarding promotion, transfer, advancement, discipline, or termination.
• Address routine employee questions, concerns, and workplace conflicts; enforce company policies consistently; initiate and document formal disciplinary matters; engage with Human Resources as appropriate; recommend the corrective action; and actively participate in disciplinary discussions.
• Train and develop production employees and the Assistant Supervisor on job duties, safety, quality, food-safety, sanitation, and performance expectations; verify understanding and follow-through.
• Maintain RedZone and production records to track performance, identify issues, and guide daily decisions; review required paperwork for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness; and initiate or recommend corrective action when needed.
• Monitor equipment and operating conditions, coordinate with Maintenance, and create work orders in Asset Essentials to minimize downtime and protect employees, product, and company property.
• Coordinate line priorities and issue resolution with Production Management, Quality, Sanitation, Maintenance, Warehouse, and other support groups; communicate material risks and decisions promptly.
• Assist with production work during urgent operating needs while continuing to direct employees, coordinate the work, and oversee line performance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent exposure to product fumes such as onions and peppers.
• Exposure to chemicals such as chlorine and other sanitation agents.
• Work in varying temperature conditions, including 45 degrees F or lower.
• High-pressure production environment requiring real-time staffing, workflow, and performance decisions.
• Requires overtime and additional hours as needed, including during seasonal periods.
• Frequent interaction with production staff, other departments, and support groups.
• Work requires regular leadership, direction, coaching, and support of assigned employees.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent to constant standing and walking during shifts.
• Occasional to frequent bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of products weighing 5 to 50 pounds.
• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand motions, such as writing or handling products.
• Visual ability to monitor production lines, inspect products, and review documentation.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Prior experience directing employees in a fresh-food or production environment.
• Ability to plan, assign, reallocate, and direct work for multiple employees across one or more production lines.
• Ability to evaluate employee performance objectively, coach employees, document issues, and make supported recommendations regarding employee development or corrective action.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make timely operating decisions within company policies and established procedures.
• Verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively across departments.
• Working knowledge of the English language.
• Basic mathematical abilities and ability to interpret production and performance information.
• Ability to train staff on safety requirements and consistently enforce safety, quality, food-safety, and sanitation standards.
• Reliable transportation to the assigned work location.

COMPANY BENEFITS / PERKS

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

This job description summarizes the position's principal responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change based on operational and business needs..