Working Supervisor

Saputo Inc.•Newington, CT

About The Position

The Working Supervisor is an integral, hands-on member of the operations team in a 24/7 manufacturing facility. This technically skilled role is responsible for maintaining operational efficiency and productivity, supporting product quality, and providing guidance and technical assistance to employees. The supervisor assigns tasks during downtime, models expected conduct, and helps the team meet established goals. The role requires troubleshooting knowledge of homogenization and pasteurization equipment, pumps, valves, controls, fillers, and packaging-line machinery. The position supports processing and filling operations, including sanitation, product and packaging quality, production documentation, changeovers, training, continuous improvement, and safety. Employees are assigned to a team working a three-shift operation; work days and shifts may change to cover absences, downtime, audits, or related events.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years of experience in food manufacturing; dairy food manufacturing experience is preferred.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices.
Experience leading and following safety and security policies and procedures.
Strong math skills.
Strong technical skills, including the ability to operate and understand equipment controls, touch panels, and mechanical operations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and computer-based applications; SAP is preferred.
Ability to follow sanitation and quality policies and procedures and report and follow through on deficiencies.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to work as a team player and leader across functions and disciplines.
Ability to select, lead, coach, influence, motivate, develop, engage, and retain employees.
Ability to understand cost-containment and continuous-improvement principles.
Shift flexibility for a three-shift, 24/7 operation, including days, swing, nights, and weekends; work days and shifts may change to cover vacations, absences, plant downtime, or audits.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise and changing hot, wet, cold, and humid temperatures, and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb stairs, and maneuver around equipment throughout a shift.
Ability to work with chemicals while wearing personal protective equipment and following approved chemical-handling procedures.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds frequently and unassisted, and lift 50 or more pounds with assistance.
Good visual acuity, including the ability to see and differentiate colors.

Nice To Haves

Advanced quality or food-safety training and/or certifications.
SAP experience.

Responsibilities

Maintain high standards of housekeeping and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in processing and filling areas.
Ensure fillers and related equipment, including tanks and lines, are cleaned through CIP and manual exterior cleaning to established standards.
Ensure product batches meet quality specifications and are homogenized and processed according to regulatory and customer requirements; ensure finished packages meet container-integrity and coding requirements, and complete GMP inspections.
Oversee changeovers and provide guidance and technical assistance to improve efficiency and minimize downtime.
Verify production documentation is complete and accurate.
Conduct root cause analysis to establish preventive measures for downtime and apply continuous improvement techniques and methodology.
Communicate and assist to ensure lines operate at standard and meet OEE expectations.
Support new-hire operator training and document training and follow-up.
Review SOPs and procedures to ensure they are current and followed.
Review rework inventory as needed and communicate findings to the Supervisor.
Promote safety programs and policies to reduce incidents and near-misses.
Train and instruct employees on production and equipment standards and processes.
Comply with federal, state, and local dairy food regulations.
Adhere to Saputo's code of ethics and values.
Work professionally with coworkers and personnel from other departments.
Perform other duties as required by management.