Production Supervisor

Locus Management•Peoria, IL

21d•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 role oversees production personnel and contract labor, coordinates staffing and resources, monitors process performance, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, sanitation, and operating procedures. The supervisor works with Production, Microbiology, Research & Development, Process Development, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to troubleshoot issues, support process consistency and equipment reliability, and advance continuous improvement. The role is accountable for shift execution, employee development, accurate production documentation, and communication across shifts and departments. This is a full-time position supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation in Peoria, Illinois. The supervisor must be willing to work nonstandard hours, including nights, weekends, and occasional coverage of other shifts, according to production requirements and business needs. Work takes place in both an office and manufacturing-floor settings, with possible laboratory and pilot fermentation activities.

Requirements

Minimum of four years of experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, or maintenance, including demonstrated shift leadership, team supervision, or equivalent leadership responsibility.
Demonstrated knowledge of process equipment, process controls, troubleshooting, sanitation, and safe operating practices.
Ability to interpret process data, recognize abnormal operating conditions, and coordinate effective corrective actions.
Ability to train, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable while fostering a collaborative and 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 meet the physical demands of the role, 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 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 to support safe and reliable operations, 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 production data and process performance to identify trends, deviations, and opportunities to improve consistency, yield, efficiency, and equipment reliability.
Recommend process or equipment improvements and implement workflow improvements to reduce downtime and waste and strengthen operational efficiency.
Review production records, batch documentation, equipment logs, and other operational data for accuracy, completeness, and procedural compliance.
Coordinate investigation and resolution of process deviations, nonconformances, and quality concerns with appropriate departments.
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.
Identify and address hazards, support JSA and JHA activities, and ensure incidents and unsafe conditions are promptly reported and addressed.
Provide initial leadership during incidents, activate applicable emergency response procedures, and coordinate with designated 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 provide coaching and development opportunities to strengthen employee performance and technical competency.
Set performance expectations, provide feedback, and hold production personnel accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and adherence to procedures.
Participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations for assigned employees.
Address performance deficiencies 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.