Cooler Production Supervisor

Joliet Staffing is hiring a Cooler Production Supervisor for a leading food distribution center in Minooka, IL. We are seeking an experienced and motivated leader to oversee daily production operations within the cooler department. This position is responsible for supervising production associates, ensuring product quality, maintaining food safety standards, and achieving daily production goals in a temperature-controlled environment.

Location: Minooka, IL

Reports To: Production Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Shift: 5:00 AM Start

Salary: $47,000 - $52,000 per year

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• AD&D Insurance

Job Summary

The Cooler Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the cooler production department, ensuring products are prepared, handled, and processed safely, accurately, and efficiently. This role supervises production associates, coordinates workflow, maintains compliance with food safety regulations, and supports continuous improvement initiatives to meet production and customer demands.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations within the cooler production department.
• Lead, coach, and develop production associates to meet productivity, quality, and safety goals.
• Assign daily work responsibilities and monitor workflow to ensure production schedules are met.
• Ensure products are produced, packaged, labeled, and stored according to company standards and customer specifications.
• Monitor production activities to maximize efficiency while minimizing waste and downtime.
• Maintain compliance with GMPs, HACCP, OSHA regulations, sanitation standards, and company policies.
• Conduct routine inspections to ensure product quality, cleanliness, and operational readiness.
• Coordinate with Shipping, Receiving, Inventory Control, Quality Assurance, and Warehouse Operations to support production needs.
• Investigate production issues and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and quality.
• Train employees on production procedures, food safety practices, equipment operation, and workplace safety.
• Monitor employee performance and conduct coaching sessions and performance evaluations.
• Ensure accurate production documentation and inventory records are maintained.
• Promote a positive, team-oriented work environment while maintaining accountability and productivity.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production performance.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Some college coursework in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of supervisory experience in food production, food manufacturing, or warehouse operations.
• Experience working in a refrigerated or cooler environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, production processes, and warehouse operations.
• Previous experience in a food distribution environment is highly preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and employee development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and food safety.
• Ability to motivate and lead a diverse workforce.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Experience with inventory, production tracking, or ERP systems preferred.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift and move products weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb as needed.
• Ability to work in a refrigerated cooler environment for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

• Fast-paced food distribution and production environment.
• Primary work performed in a refrigerated cooler with temperatures typically ranging from 34°F to 40°F.
• Frequent interaction with warehouse equipment, pallet jacks, forklifts, conveyors, and production machinery.
• Must follow all food safety, sanitation, OSHA, and company safety regulations.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or holidays as business needs require