Production Supervisor

Sauer Brands • San Luis Obispo, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Production Supervisor supervises and directs daily activities in the production and processing departments, with responsibility for minimizing line downtime, increasing efficiency, improving process consistency, ensuring SOP compliance, and safely achieving production goals. The role manages employee absences and performance issues, carries out assigned projects and initiatives, accepts safety as a condition, and supports plant operations. The position reports to the Operations Manager and is based in San Luis Obispo, California.

The supervisor ensures product conformance and line efficiency, oversees production equipment setup and adjustment, assigns work, and establishes procedures to meet production schedules. The role recommends improvements to production methods, equipment performance, product quality, and working conditions; uses and trains staff on ERP and OEE systems; and works cross-functionally with all departments. It also provides safety-focused, servant-leader supervision, supports employee motivation and problem solving, promotes a customer-centric culture, builds positive supplier relations, and assists the Operations Manager with projects or research.

Performance is evaluated using OEE, production efficiency KPIs, safety and organizational health KPIs, leadership contributions, and personal effectiveness, including meeting timelines and productivity requirements. The company offers a comprehensive benefits plan and is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience in manufacturing or food production.
• Demonstrated success managing production processes, workforce development, and operational performance.
• Proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work under time constraints and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong people management skills and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible approach.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Documented history of making improvements in assigned work areas or responsibilities.
• Professional demeanor, integrity, accountability, reliability, and a positive, dependable team-player attitude.
• Results-oriented, disciplined, determined, and able to pursue excellence while meeting timelines and productivity requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Some college education.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle or PeopleSoft and an OEE system such as RedZone.
• Bilingual English/Spanish ability.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct daily activities of production and processing department team members.
• Minimize line downtime, increase efficiency, improve process consistency, ensure SOP compliance, and achieve production goals safely.
• Direct setup and adjustments of production machines and lines.
• Interpret specifications and job orders, assign duties, and establish or adjust work procedures to meet production schedules.
• Recommend improvements to production methods, equipment performance, product quality, working conditions, and production efficiency.
• Understand and use ERP and OEE systems, and train staff in their use.
• Work cross-functionally with all departments.
• Manage employee absences and performance issues; analyze and resolve or assist workers with personnel problems.
• Model safe work practices, ensure staff wear required PPE, interpret company policies, and enforce safety regulations.
• Lead staff using a servant-leader perspective and motivate workers to achieve work goals.
• Identify safety opportunities, support an injury-free workplace, and conduct risk management and/or Job Hazard Analysis.
• Represent the company positively in supplier relations and work in a customer-centric manner.
• Support the Operations Manager with projects, initiatives, and research as needed.
• Support company safety initiatives and promote safety as a condition.
• Meet or exceed production efficiency KPIs and contribute to organizational health and the overall success of SBI.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Vacation, sick days, and holidays
• Flexible spending accounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee and dependent life insurance
• Voluntary disability insurance
• Other voluntary insurance options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED