Production Departmental Supervisor - Packing Supervisor

Job description

Job Summary: The Packing Supervisor is a working supervisor responsible for leading the daily operations of the Packing department in a food manufacturing environment. This role oversees employees, packaging lines, equipment, production documentation, safety, and department performance while remaining knowledgeable and hands-on in packing operations. The Packing Supervisor ensures finished products are packaged accurately using approved materials, labels, procedures, and specifications; coordinates production flow with other departments; and develops the equipment and product knowledge necessary to troubleshoot issues, minimize downtime, and support the team. Key Responsibilities and Skills: Leadership & Team Management • Supervise the daily activities, attendance, performance, and conduct of Packing employees, including Packing Leads and Associates. • Plan daily operations, assign work, monitor progress, adjust labor as needed, and ensure production priorities and department goals are met. • Serve as a working supervisor who understands packaging processes and can step into line setup, operation, or packing activities when operational needs require. • Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate team members to build technical knowledge, reinforce expectations, and maintain a skilled and accountable workforce. • Participate in interviewing and hiring decisions, performance evaluations, coaching and corrective action, and recommendations regarding employee termination. • Enforce company policies, attendance and timekeeping expectations, break and meal schedules, and department procedures consistently. • Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, respectful communication, safety, and continuous improvement. Packing & Production Oversight • Coordinate daily Packing activities with the Assistant Production Manager, Blending, Weigh-Up, and other departments based on the production schedule and operational priorities. • Obtain and review production orders, packaging specifications, schedules, and operational plans needed for the shift. • Ensure finished products are packed to approved specifications, including correct product, package type, fill quantity, seals, labels, coding, and case configuration. • Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of company products, packaging formats, line setups, changeover requirements, machinery, and product-specific packing needs. • Know how to set up, operate, and adjust Packing department equipment and ensure employees are trained to operate it correctly and safely. • Monitor line speeds, staffing, production flow, changeovers, and downtime; adjust assignments and coordinate resources to meet production targets. • Respond to packaging defects, equipment failures, spills, incorrect materials, weight discrepancies, or process deviations; troubleshoot within training and escalate appropriately. Production Documentation & Quality Coordination • Follow and reinforce established GMPs, food safety, quality, allergen, labeling, and traceability requirements within the Packing department. • Verify production paperwork is completed accurately and thoroughly, including product identification, lot tracking, quantities, packaging checks, yields, and other required production records. • Verify product and packaging material identity, lot information, label and code accuracy, and required weight or count checks; investigate and escalate discrepancies. • Coordinate with Quality personnel when packaging accuracy, product identification, label verification, pre-operational checks, documentation, or product hold concerns require Quality review or direction. • Exercise authority to stop production when a safety, food safety, quality, labeling, or process concern is identified; request a product hold when appropriate and promptly involve Quality and management for evaluation and direction. • Ensure work-in-process and finished products are correctly identified, protected, handled, and staged in accordance with established procedures. • Support assigned Food Safety and Food Security responsibilities applicable to the position, including serving as a HACCP Team Member when designated. Equipment, Sanitation & Safety • Ensure packaging machinery, scales, tools, and work areas are maintained in clean, sanitary, organized, and safe condition. • Coordinate line clearance, cleaning, changeovers, and required pre-operational activities with Sanitation, Quality, Maintenance, and other applicable departments as needed. • Ensure employees follow required safety procedures, PPE requirements, equipment operating procedures, and safe work practices. • Identify and address unsafe conditions or behaviors promptly and report incidents, hazards, equipment concerns, and maintenance needs through the appropriate channels. • Become forklift certified through the company and safely operate a forklift as required to support Packing operations. • Identify equipment malfunctions and assist with basic adjustments and troubleshooting within training; promptly coordinate repairs and preventive maintenance needs with Maintenance. Inventory, Yield & Waste Control • Oversee proper handling, identification, rotation, and control of packaging materials, work-in-process, finished goods, tools, and department supplies. • Monitor production yields, packaging material usage, scrap, rework, waste, and product loss; identify discrepancies and opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency. • Ensure required packaging materials, labels, tools, PPE, and operational supplies are available for scheduled production; communicate shortages promptly. Communication & Continuous Improvement • Maintain clear communication with the Assistant Production Manager, Blending, Weigh-Up, Quality, Maintenance, and Shipping & Receiving to support production flow and resolve operational challenges. • Review end-of-shift paperwork and department status, and communicate unresolved issues, production concerns, staffing needs, and follow-up items to the appropriate leaders. • Identify opportunities to improve line efficiency, changeovers, safety, productivity, employee training, packaging accuracy, waste reduction, and department processes. • Delegate productive work during downtime and ensure employees remain engaged in department priorities, housekeeping, training, or other assigned work. Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: • Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing, production, or related environment. • Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred. • Bilingual in Spanish and English required. • Packaging line, machine operation, or related production experience preferred. • Forklift experience preferred; must be willing and able to complete company forklift certification and operate a forklift as required. • Experience with packaging equipment setup, changeovers, and basic troubleshooting preferred; willingness to learn department machinery required. • Strong leadership, communication, organizational, time management, and employee development skills. • Ability to learn and retain detailed technical knowledge of products, packaging materials, labels, machinery, line setups, specifications, and department procedures. • Working knowledge of GMPs and basic food safety, allergen, and traceability requirements in a food manufacturing environment preferred. • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in production documentation and process control. • Ability to prioritize, multitask, solve problems, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment. • Basic computer skills for documentation, communication, and reporting. • Flexibility to adapt to changing production schedules, staffing needs, and job duties. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: • Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the shift. • Occasional pushing, pulling, and maneuvering of packaged products, cases, materials, carts, or equipment. • Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, and moving throughout the production facility. • Ability to safely mount, dismount, and operate a forklift after completing required company certification. • Ability to safely work around moving packaging equipment, conveyors, and production lines while following required machine-guarding and safety procedures. • Exposure to a food manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, airborne spice particles, and strong spice or food odors. • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hairnets, masks or other respiratory protection when required, and safety glasses, for extended periods. • Ability to work a production schedule that may require extended hours, weekends, holidays, or schedule changes based on business needs. Other Duties: • Follow food safety and quality protocols. • Follow GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), housekeeping and safe work practices. • Other duties as assigned. Benefits: Circle U Foods offers a benefits package that includes: • Company paid employee-only health (HMO), dental, vision, and life insurance. A PPO health plan is offered with a cost share. • Voluntary insurance plans for short-term disability coverage, Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness. • Additional voluntary life insurance policy available • Accrued Paid Time Off: 0-5 years, 2 weeks; 5-10 years, 3 weeks; 10+ years 4 weeks Equal Opportunity Employer Circle U Foods, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Conditions of Employment • Eligibility to Work: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide appropriate documentation to complete the I-9 verification process. • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. • Transportation Requirement: Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work to meet job attendance and punctuality requirements. • Pre-Employment Screening: Candidates must successfully pass a background check and drug test. About Circle U Foods, Inc. At Circle U Foods, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality products and outstanding service. Our mission is simple: exceed expectations through innovation, efficiency, and a commitment to food safety. ​ We’re proud of our inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and empowers our team to thrive. We strive to create an environment that drives accountability and continuous improvement. ​ With a focus on safety, transparency, and ethical practices, we partner with our customers and stakeholders to build lasting value. Circle U Foods is more than a business—we’re a family dedicated to making a positive impact in our industry and community.