Production Supervisor chez Dairy Farmers of America (Kemps)

We are currently seeking a Production Supervisor for our cultured dairy products plant in Rockford, IL.  In this essential role, you will ensure that the production process flows smoothly, and daily production goals are met.  You will lead a team of valued associates who can thrive in our environment.

Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a diary marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers.  Since 1914, Kemps has provided families with fresh, delicious dairy products, fresh milk, frozen yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese and frozen novelty treats.  By joining Kemps, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters.  We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world.  It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities – come join us!

Shift:  1st:  Tuesday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Schedules, assigns work, and provides clear direction to production employees. Ensures that the production process flows smoothly, and daily production goals are met.
• Monitor the pasteurizing, separating, cooling, filling, mixing, clean-up, standardizing, packaging, and storing operations to ensure that plant production and quality standards are met.
• Work effectively with unionized employees to promote positive and productive working relationships. Understand and effectively applies work rules, union contract provisions, and employment policies.  Administer discipline consistently and fairly.  Observe and/or participate in employee grievances, gaining knowledge from Human Resources and plant management.  Actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods.
• Monitor the equipment used in production process (i.e., pasteurizer and culture vats) to ensure that equipment is functioning efficiently and is properly cleaned and sanitized. Arranges for timely repair/resolution of equipment failures. 
• Actively promote safe work behaviors and holds self and others accountable for following safety rules and regulations. Conducts accident/injury investigations and sends reports of injury to HR in a timely manner to meet rapid reporting standards. 
• Understand and fulfill the requirements of SQF 2000 Level 3 code of regulation for food safety and quality.
• Assist the Plant Manager and Production Manager with compiling and analyzing production and cost data for required company and government reports.
• Proactively looks for ways to increase operational efficiency and contain costs. Identifies and implements best practices in establishing SOP’s and managing labor.  Thinks creatively and abstractly to develop alternative possibilities to drive improvement.