Production Supervisor at Dutch Farms Inc – Chicago, Illinois

Summary / Objective

The Production Supervisor oversees and coordinates the daily activities of production employees and supports maintenance and operational functions to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Supervise and coordinate the work of employees engaged in the production or processing of goods.
2. Review and interpret work orders, production schedules, and other documentation to determine daily production requirements.
3. Communicate and collaborate with other supervisors and departments to ensure smooth and efficient workflow.
4. Plan, assign, and adjust work schedules and production activities to meet operational goals.
5. Inspect materials, products, and equipment to identify defects, safety hazards, or equipment malfunctions.
6. Train new employees on equipment operation, work procedures, and safety practices, or assign them to experienced operators for on-the-job training.
7. Monitor production processes—observing work practices and checking gauges, dials, HMI screens, and other indicators—to ensure compliance with standards.
8. Address and help resolve employee concerns, performance issues, and workplace conflicts in alignment with company policies.
9. Interpret specifications, job orders, and company policies for employees and ensure consistent application.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Utilize knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and cost management to support efficient manufacturing.
2. Provide coaching, guidance, and direction to employees to foster a productive and motivated team environment.
3. Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to process optimization.

Competencies

1. Relevant on-the-job experience; an associate’s degree preferred. Two or more years of production or supervisory experience strongly desired.
2. Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, cost management, and efficient manufacturing techniques.
3. Strong decision-making ability, including evaluating costs and benefits to determine the most effective solutions.
4. Ability to identify operational issues, analyze information, evaluate options, and implement appropriate solutions.
5. Effective leadership skills, including communication, coaching, and team development.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position directly supervises production and operations employees.

Work Environment

The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibration, and airborne particles. The role may involve exposure to varied temperatures depending on production areas. Noise levels may be loud.

Physical Demands

The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds is required, with occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime as needed.

Travel

No overnight travel is expected for this role.

Requirements Required Education and Experience

1. Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. High school diploma or GED preferred.
2. CDL preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

1. Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and cost-effective manufacturing techniques.
2. Ability to lead, motivate, and develop employees to meet performance and production goals.

Dutch Farms is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law.