Production Supervisor

Locus Management LLC•Peoria, IL

4h•$72,000 - $92,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Supervisor leads daily fermentation and downstream manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production of Locus products. This hands-on leadership position oversees production personnel and contract labor, coordinates staffing and resources, monitors process performance, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, sanitation, and operating procedures. The role works with Production, Microbiology, Research & Development, Process Development, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to troubleshoot issues, maintain process consistency and equipment reliability, and drive continuous improvement. The Production Supervisor is accountable for shift execution, employee development, accurate production documentation, and communication across shifts and departments. The position supports a 24/7 manufacturing operation and requires willingness to work nonstandard hours, including nights, weekends, and occasional coverage of other shifts.

Requirements

At least four years of experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, or maintenance, including shift leadership, team supervision, or equivalent leadership responsibility.
Knowledge of process equipment, process controls, troubleshooting, sanitation, and safe operating practices.
Ability to interpret process data, recognize abnormal operating conditions, and coordinate corrective actions.
Ability to train, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable while fostering a collaborative, safety-focused work environment.
Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and operational teams to resolve issues and support production priorities.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and applicable production or process monitoring systems.
Ability and willingness to work nonstandard hours supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including nights, weekends, and occasional coverage of other shifts.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including regular walking and standing, climbing stairs, bending, and occasional lifting or handling of materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to comply with company safety policies and PPE requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant manufacturing and leadership experience will also be considered.
Experience in fermentation, biotechnology, chemical processing, food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or another process-driven manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with GMP, SOPs, production documentation, deviation management, and continuous improvement practices.

Responsibilities

Assist with setup, preparation, and ongoing operation of fermentation and downstream processing systems, ensuring production readiness and compliance with documentation, safety, quality, and operating requirements.
Oversee and participate in fermentation manufacturing and downstream processing, coordinating, supervising, and supporting technicians and contract labor to meet production schedules and priorities.
Monitor shift activities, production progress, process parameters, and resource allocation; adjust staffing and resources as priorities change.
Ensure effective shift handoffs and communicate production status, equipment issues, safety concerns, process deviations, and outstanding priorities.
Maintain working knowledge of fermentation, downstream processing, and facility utility systems, including appropriate oversight of utilities during night and weekend shifts.
Submit work orders and coordinate corrective and preventive maintenance for production equipment and facility systems.
Collaborate with technical and operational departments to troubleshoot process and equipment issues, support testing, and maintain consistent production performance.
Monitor process performance and production data to identify trends, deviations, and opportunities to improve consistency, yield, efficiency, and equipment reliability; recommend improvements to appropriate technical teams.
Identify and implement improvements to workflows, downtime, waste, process consistency, and operational efficiency in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Review production records, batch documentation, equipment logs, and other operational data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; coordinate investigation and resolution of deviations, nonconformances, and quality concerns.
Observe production practices to ensure compliance with sanitation programs, GMP, SOPs, and applicable quality requirements.
Oversee compliance with lockout/tagout procedures, work permits, and other safety requirements; perform permitting and authorization responsibilities only when trained and designated.
Promote the plant's safety culture by identifying and addressing hazards, supporting JSA and JHA activities, and ensuring incidents and unsafe conditions are reported and addressed.
Provide initial leadership during incidents, activate emergency response procedures, and coordinate with designated emergency response personnel according to established plans and assigned responsibilities.
Develop and maintain employee training and qualification programs covering equipment operation, process procedures, sanitation, safety, and job-specific responsibilities; evaluate training needs and coach employees.
Provide hands-on leadership, establish performance expectations, give regular feedback, and hold employees accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and procedure adherence.
Participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations; address performance and conduct concerns through coaching and corrective action, including recommendations regarding employment decisions.
Provide backup coverage for peers and assigned personnel as needed to maintain operational continuity.
Perform other duties as assigned.