Process Shift Supervisor

Position Overview

The Process Shift Supervisor reports to the Plant Manager and is responsible for leading shift operations focused on processing sugar beets into finished sugar. This role oversees all processing personnel across production stations, driving performance through strong leadership, with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

Essential Functions

• Lead by example in promoting a zero-injury safety culture aligned with site safety goals.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized production environment.
• Plan, organize, and direct shift personnel to optimize processing performance.
• Ensure consistent production of high-quality output by adhering to established quality systems and procedures.
• Develop or quickly gain a strong understanding of sugar beet processing operations.
• Monitor, track, and report production performance metrics and operational issues.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Train and develop employees across processing stations to improve overall productivity and control.
• Actively participate in and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize root cause analysis to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.
• Leverage KPIs to drive performance improvements.
• Coordinate with purchasing to ensure availability of processing materials and supplies.
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, and plant leadership to ensure effective preventative maintenance programs.
• Collaborate with other shift supervisors to ensure smooth shift transitions and effective scheduling.
• Understand and enforce labor agreements as required.
• Spend up to 80% of time on the production floor supporting employees, troubleshooting, and driving performance improvements.

Skills & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Proven supervisory experience in a food production or processing environment.
• 5-10 years of process manufacturing experience preferred; experience in sugar processing or refining is a plus.
• Demonstrated success improving safety, productivity, and quality performance.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both hourly teams and senior leadership.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to work extended hours, including weekends, as needed.