OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR

JOB TITLE:OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR

NATURE OF JOB: FULL TIME

INDUSTRY: FOOD PROCESSING

SALARY:KSHS.40,000-60,000

JOB LOCATION:KIKUYU

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Oversight &  Management

• Plan, organize, and supervise all production activities to ensure targets for quantity, quality, cost, and delivery are met.
• Monitor daily production schedules and adjust workflow to meet demand while minimizing downtime and waste.
• Ensure that raw materials and packaging materials are available and correctly used during production runs.

Team Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Lead, coach, and supervise a team of production line workers, machine operators, and support staff.
• Monitor staff performance, enforce discipline, and promote a productive and respectful work environment.
• Conduct daily briefings to communicate production goals, safety updates, and any operational changes.

Quality Control & Food Safety

• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure that all finished products meet internal and regulatory quality standards.
• Conduct in-process checks to monitor critical control points during production.
• Ensure proper documentation of quality parameters, traceability, and non-conformance reports.

Production Planning & Coordination

• Collaborate with the Production Manager to prepare weekly and monthly production plans based on sales forecasts and inventory levels.
• Ensure proper sequencing of batches to optimize equipment use and reduce changeover time.
• Coordinate with the procurement team to ensure timely availability of inputs without overstocking.

Process Improvement & Efficiency

• Identify bottlenecks and areas of inefficiency on the production floor and recommend process improvements.
• Support implementation of lean manufacturing principles such as 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction strategies.
• Analyze production data to track KPIs such as yield, downtime, labor efficiency, and throughput.

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations in line with HACCP, GMP, and other food industry standards.
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure machines, tools, and safety equipment are in good working condition.
• Lead safety talks and participate in audits and incident investigations when necessary.

Record Keeping & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of production volumes, raw material usage, downtime, maintenance, and labor hours.
• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports to the Production Manager.
• Ensure production documentation is up-to-date, signed off, and stored as per company policy and audit requirements.

Equipment Coordination

• Monitor equipment performance and report any breakdowns or inefficiencies to the maintenance team.
• Ensure proper cleaning and sanitation of machines and processing areas between production runs.

KEY REQUIREMENT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

• Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Production Supervisor or Quality Control Officer in a food processing company
• Prior experience in tomato paste/sauce, jam, or similar food products is highly desirable
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Knowledge of production planning, lean manufacturing, and safety practices
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities