Pouch Line Supervisor

COMPANY INTRODUCTION

Manzana Products Co. has been in business for over 100 years and is a leading producer of organic apple juice, apple sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Manzana is owned by Agrial, a prominent French co-op of 12,000 farmer members and a force in agriculture and food production.

Manzana’s mission is to create quality apple products by placing the highest value on people, suppliers, customers, and continuous improvement in manufacturing capabilities, with social and environmental responsibility at the heart of our actions.

We are in the process of relocating our manufacturing facility from Sebastopol, CA to Sunnyside, WA. While the facility is essential, we believe that building a strong, dedicated team is the key to success. At Manzana, we work each day to foster a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, continuous improvement, and an inclusive, respectful environment where all team members’ contributions are valued, and feedback is encouraged.

At Manzana, all employees are required to actively participate in our comprehensive Food Safety Program to ensure the consistent production of the highest quality and safest food products. This commitment is essential to maintaining our standards and protecting our customers.

Join us as we grow and make a difference together

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Production Management, the Pouch Line Supervisor is responsible to efficiently operate and direct the operation of pouch manufacturing equipment, maximizing productivity and quality. The Pouch Supervisor is responsible to troubleshoot and adjust equipment when quality or efficiency issues occur. The lead will also operate pouch making and backup equipment where needed. The goal of the Pouch Supervisor is to maximize uptime and minimize waste while maintaining the highest standard of safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Treat all employees with respect and dignity.

· Direct employees to proper workstations and activities.

· Ensure that employees are knowledgeable and trained on how to comfortably and accurately perform their assigned task.

· Assist in the maintenance of the pouch making equipment, to include preventive maintenance.

· Train new and current operators in new procedures and best practices.

· Help operators troubleshoot equipment or quality issues.

· Provide training on safety procedures and establish new safety procedures when necessary.

· Ensure the schedule is being executed correctly.

· Monitor product quality and consistency.

· Inspect materials for defects.

· Complete proper testing to ensure customer specifications are met.

· Complete sales order paperwork.

· Attend occasional training sessions.

· Perform general housekeeping to keep work areas clean and organized.

· Follow all Company policies and safety procedures in order to maintain a safe work environment.

· Ensure case/container codes, labels and packaging materials are correct prior to start up.

· Ensure that Pre-Start checks done by QA are acceptable – confer with the Food safety Technician.

· Ensure that machines are changed over and ready for production well in advance of start up – preferably the day before production but possibly in the early morning prior to start up.

· Issue tools/supplies to employees. Track issuance and ensure tools are returned at the end of their assignment.

· Ensure that the line starts up on time and runs at optimal speed throughout the day.

· Keep the production team informed of production for the next day's run.

· Operate pouch manufacturing equipment during breaks, vacations, and/or when the regular operator is not present

· Ensure that Breaks/Lunch are taken on time in accordance with the contract/State Law by determining the daily lunch/break schedule. If the line is running through lunches, schedule relief operators.

· Monitor and schedule overtime, breaks and lunch periods so that production out put is not negatively impacted.

· Plan and execute labor rotation to ensure a safe work environment for the team.

· Prepare labor report documenting employees that worked on the line each day.

· Audit the paperwork of the Food Safety Techs and of operators performing checks.

· Report Maintenance, Safety, Quality, and Production issues to the Production Manager and the appropriate Department Manager.

· Ensure the line is cleaned properly at the end of production

· Ensure that Packaging Materials and Ingredients are available for the next production day.

· Manzana Food Products charges all employees with the responsibility to fully participate in all company policy and program initiatives for Food Safety, Food Quality and Food Defense; each employee, no matter their position or job function serves a key role in contributing to safe, quality food.

· Provides leadership and guidance to employees to promote positive employee relations, and to maximize productivity, efficiency and quality in a way that is consistent with the company values.

· Perform other duties as assigned or required

People Management

At Manzana, Supervisors, Managers and Leadership play a critical role in shaping and sustaining a workplace culture that reflects our core values and commitment to excellence.

We work each day to create a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, and continuous improvement, in a respectful environment where all team members’ contributions are valued and feedback is welcomed. Our leaders are expected to model and reinforce our four key values: Dynamic, Responsible, Efficient, and Respectful.

Managers are responsible for leading, developing, and supporting teams to achieve both individual and organizational success. This includes fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel engaged, empowered, and accountable.

Key expectations for people management include:

• Actively model Manzana’s values and set clear expectations for behavior and performance. Promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain open, transparent, and timely communication. Encourage feedback and ensure team members feel heard and valued.
• Set clear goals and expectations, monitor performance, and address issues promptly and fairly. Recognize achievements and reinforce positive contributions.
• Build strong, trusting relationships within the team. Foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages participation.
• Reinforce and uphold standards related to food safety, employee health and safety, and company policies. Ensure team adherence through training, monitoring, and accountability.

Qualifications

· High School Graduate, or equivalent.

· Minimum 1-3 years of related experience.

Skills:

· Ability to write legibly in order to document safety, quality and production information as required or produce other documents as required.

· Ability to learn and use Production and Accounting Software, electronic scanners and electronic tablets, including the ability to troubleshoot the system, improve existing practices and assist other employees with the process. The ability to manually enter necessary production information using a keypad.

· Ability to speak, read and write fluently in English, Spanish desirable.

· Able to handle cleaning materials as needed to maintain the cleanliness of the working environment.

· Ability to lift 50 pounds on an intermittent basis.

· Strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills.

· Experience troubleshooting equipment issues.

· Good organizational skills.

· Excellent communication skills, including written and interpersonal

· Ability to follow directions.

· Willingness to learn and be a team player.

· Confidence and professionalism in representing the Company.

Working Conditions

· This position is performed in a food-processing/production environment and may involve exposure to moving equipment, conveyors, high-pressure water, noise, wet surfaces, varying temperatures, and agricultural materials. Employees must follow all required safety, sanitation, and PPE requirements. Proper PPE and safety procedures are required at all times. The employee must be able to safely perform the physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting as required for assigned duties.

· This position regularly works 8- to 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday work based on production and business needs consistent with applicable laws and company policies.

Required PPE may vary by work area and assigned task. Employees must wear all PPE required by company policy, hazard assessments, food-safety requirements, and posted area-specific requirements.

PPE may include:

· Hairnet

· Beard net

· Safety glasses or approved eye protection.

· Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the chemical and task.

· Chemical/water-resistant protective clothing.

· Safety boots with appropriate slip-resistant soles.

· Hearing protection in designated areas.

· Gloves or other task-specific PPE when required.

· Additional PPE identified through the applicable safety assessment, SDS, sanitation procedure, or posted area requirements.

· Employees are responsible for properly wearing, maintaining, and using required PPE at all times.

To protect food safety and prevent contamination, employees entering production areas must comply with all personal hygiene and GMP requirements.

The following are not permitted in production areas:

· Glitter, sparkles, or loose decorative materials.

· False eyelashes or eyelash extensions that present a contamination risk.

· False, artificial, or acrylic nails.

· Nail polish or other nail coatings.

· Jewelry, including rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, earrings, piercings, or other loose accessories, except as specifically permitted by company policy.

· Items or clothing containing loose, fraying, dangling, or shedding materials that could present a contamination risk.

· Loose personal items that could fall into or contaminate product.

· Any other personal item, accessory, cosmetic, or material prohibited by company GMP and food-safety policies.

Employees must follow all posted hygiene, handwashing, personal protective equipment, and food-safety requirements when entering or working in production areas.

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing applicable pre-employment screening requirements, which may include:

· Background check.

· Drug screening.

· DMV check and satisfactory driving record for positions that require driving or where driving-related qualifications are required.

· For forklift operation, successful completion of required forklift training and evaluation and compliance with all company requirements for authorized forklift operators.

Manzana Products Co. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position. Applicants and employees who require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the job are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Manzana Products Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and maintaining a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, business needs, and other legitimate job-related factors in accordance with applicable law.