Plant Superintendent

Overview:

As a Plant Superintendent at Urban Farmer, you will play a crucial role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of our food production plant. This position is pivotal in ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, and team safety. The ideal candidate will bring a robust background in food manufacturing processes and a proven track record of leadership. You will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of management performance are met, including comprehensive documentation and adherence to company standards and regulations. Additionally, you will act as a crisis coordinator during unforeseen challenges, providing leadership and solutions to minimize disruptions and maintain project momentum.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Oversight:

• Manage the entire production process for the Toppings & Bakery Division, from raw material procurement to finished product packaging.

• Ensure that production schedules are followed diligently to meet delivery deadlines.

• Supervise the formulation and mixing of ingredients, the baking process, and the application of toppings to ensure consistency and quality across all product lines.

Quality and Compliance Management:

• Implement and uphold rigorous quality control standards to meet both internal specifications and external regulatory requirements.

• Regularly review and enhance food safety protocols, ensuring all processes comply with local, state, and federal laws, including FDA and SQF standards.

• Lead audits and prepare for inspections by governing bodies to maintain high compliance ratings.

Lead Continuous Improvement (CI) Projects:

• Lead Continuous Improvement (CI) projects to enhance production processes, reduce inefficiencies, and implement best practices for continuous operational improvements.

• Manage the life cycle of CI projects from initiation through completion, ensuring all phases are executed effectively and align with organizational goals.

• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify underlying issues and develop effective solutions.

• Perform Gemba walks to observe and understand work processes directly on the production floor, engaging with staff to gain insights and identify improvement opportunities.

• Create and manage KPI reports to track performance metrics, evaluate the effectiveness of CI initiatives, and drive data-informed decisions.

• Utilize a data-driven approach to identify areas for improvement, develop actionable plans, and measure the impact of CI initiatives.

• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging team members to contribute ideas and participate in CI initiatives.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of CI projects, ensuring they meet objectives and deliver measurable improvements in production performance.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Control:

• Analyze production data to identify trends, predict potential disruptions, and implement solutions to minimize downtime and waste.

• Develop cost-reduction strategies by optimizing resource allocation and improving process efficiencies.

• Manage the division’s budget, carefully monitoring spending and making adjustments to stay within financial limits.

Research and Development Collaboration:

• Work closely with the R&D department to pilot and scale new products within the plant.

• Facilitate the integration of innovative baking techniques and topping applications that can enhance product appeal and functionality.

• Ensure that the introduction of new products is seamless and aligns with production capabilities and market demands.

Staff Leadership and Development:

• Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of managers and staff through effective recruitment, training, and performance management practices.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging staff to innovate and enhance their skills.

• Organize regular training sessions on new equipment, technologies, and industry best practices to enhance team capabilities.

Safety and Environmental Stewardship:

• Enforce a safe workplace by adhering to OSHA regulations and company safety protocols.

• Conduct regular safety drills and maintain an emergency response plan to handle workplace incidents promptly and efficiently.

• Promote sustainability by implementing environmentally friendly practices, including waste reduction and energy conservation measures.

Supply Chain and Inventory Management:

• Coordinate with supply chain management to ensure a steady flow of raw materials and manage supplier relationships to secure the best prices and quality.

• Oversee inventory levels to prevent overstocking or stockouts, utilizing just-in-time inventory practices where feasible.

• Implement robust tracking and tracing systems for ingredients and finished products to ensure quality and facilitate recalls if necessary.

Technology Integration:

• Leverage advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance production efficiency and product quality.

• Oversee the integration of automation and data analytics tools that can provide real-time insights into production processes.

• Ensure all team members are trained on new technology implementations and understand their impact on daily operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a management role within the food manufacturing industry.

• Strong understanding of process improvement techniques such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.

• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.

• Solid technical skills with an understanding of mechanical components and manufacturing equipment.

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

• Proficient in data analysis and performance metrics.

Physical Demands

• Frequent Movement: Regularly required to move around the facility to inspect equipment, supervise activities, and monitor the work environment. This includes walking, standing, and occasionally climbing ladders or stairs.

• Manual Dexterity: Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, operate, or feel tools and equipment. This may include tasks such as turning screws, operating machinery, and manipulating small components.

• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally required to lift, move, and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, including tools, equipment parts, and materials necessary for maintenance tasks.

• Environmental Conditions: Willingness to work in various environmental conditions, including exposure to high noise levels, hot and cold temperatures, wet or humid conditions, and occasional exposure to fumes, dust, or airborne particles. May also involve working in confined spaces or at heights.

• Safety Awareness: Constant vigilance to maintain personal safety and the safety of the team. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to all safety protocols and guidelines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position works in an office and a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms. The incumbent will be exposed to loud noises and alarms from equipment and machinery.