Production Supervisor

Dairy manufacturer outside of the Minneapolis, MN area is seeking a Production Supervisor to oversee their cheese production operations in the Hutchinson-Litchfield, MN area. This person is responsible for leading daily operations in their dairy processing facility, with a specific focus on high-quality cheese production. This role oversees the conversion of raw milk into finished products while maintaining strict safety, quality, and efficiency standards. As a frontline leader, you will manage a cross-functional team, ensuring that all production targets are met within a rigorous regulatory environment (SQF/FDA). This position requires a resilient leader capable of managing a bi-weekly rotating shift schedule (Days/Nights).

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct all phases of cheese manufacturing, including pasteurization, vat management, curd handling, pressing, and packaging.

• Team Management: Supervise, train, and mentor production staff; manage labor hours, performance evaluations, and employee relations on the floor.

• Quality Assurance: Ensure all products meet sensory and analytical specifications (pH, moisture, salt, and butterfat). Monitor and enforce SQF, HACCP, and GMP standards.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify and resolve production bottlenecks; implement Lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve yield.

• Sanitation & Safety: Oversee Clean-In-Place (CIP) and Clean-Out-of-Place (COP) procedures to ensure facility hygiene. Enforce all OSHA safety protocols and PPE requirements.

• Reporting: Maintain accurate production logs, inventory records, and shift handoff reports to ensure seamless communication between rotations.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of supervisory experience in food manufacturing; direct experience in dairy or cheesemaking is highly preferred.

• Availability: Must be fully committed to a 2-week rotating schedule, alternating between day and night shifts. 2.2.3 schedule rotation with 2 weeks on days, then 2 weeks on nights.

• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of HTST pasteurization, culture application, and dairy chemistry.

• Certifications: HACCP or PCQI certification preferred; state-specific Pasteurizer Operator or Bulk Milk Weigher/Sampler licenses are a major plus.

• Soft Skills: Excellent conflict resolution skills, the ability to work under pressure, and strong communication abilities.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for long periods, work in varying temperatures (hot/humid or refrigerated), and lift up to 50 lbs.

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