Senior Production Supervisor

The Senior Production Supervisor leads daily production operations across manufacturing, maintenance coordination, and quality compliance to ensure products are produced safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company and regulatory standards. This role is responsible for meeting production targets, driving operational performance, and developing frontline supervisors and high-potential employees within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Own production performance outcomes, ensuring the team delivers on volume, quality, safety and cost targets.
• Lead, coach, and develop future leaders and supervisors across all shifts, requiring flexibility in schedule and hours
• Plan and coordinate daily production activities in alignment with production schedules and business objectives
• Partner with the Production Scheduler to ensure efficient execution of production plans and monitor raw material usage
• Monitor and manage raw material usage, plant efficiency, and waste (“shrink”), supporting lean manufacturing practices
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and operational policies and regulatory requirements
• Lead and support safety initiatives, audits, and compliance programs
• Identify, communicate, and address non-compliance issues; ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively
• Deliver corrective actions and performance improvement plans when required
• Assign work, monitor performance, and ensure efficient use of labor and equipment
• Track and manage employee records (attendance, overtime, safety documentation, etc.)
• Monitor team morale and proactively address workforce issues
• Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed
• Conduct accident investigations and support root cause analysis
• Manage employee performance including training, discipline, and development
• Provide hands-on training and coaching, including off-shift support when needed
• Partner with purchasing and operations teams to support inventory and cost control of materials
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lower costs

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 5-8+ years of supervisory experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing, or industrial production environments required
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and evaluate employees in a production setting
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with operational decision-making experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Windows)
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-functionally
• Demonstrated accountability, initiative, and ability to operate in a fast-paced production environment
• Flexibility to work off-shifts as needed to support operations and team development

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business, or related field
• Working knowledge of dairy processing equipment (separators, HTST systems)
• Understanding of CIP (Clean-In-Place) and COP (Clean-Out-of-Place) systems
• Ability to obtain Broken Seal Certification (NYSDAM)

Pay:  $100,000 - $115,000 a year*

* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting.  Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications.  The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.