Supervisor, Dry Yeast Department - DOTH

Job Summary: We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Drying Department Supervisor with an engineering degree to join our team at a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified food plant. In this role, you will assist the Dryer Superintendent in overseeing plant operations to ensure the production process runs efficiently, safely, and in compliance with food safety regulations. You will also apply your engineering knowledge to support special projects aimed at improving plant performance and operational efficiency.

Lesaffre Yeast is committed to be a world-class safe workplace.  An enthusiastic, proactive, and upbeat safety attitude is an absolute requirement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in supervising plant operations to ensure smooth, efficient, and safe production while maintaining compliance with GMP standards and food safety regulations.
• Establish and maintain written production, cleaning, and packaging procedures.
• Work with the production team to monitor and optimize plant operations, ensuring high-quality yeast production and adherence to established schedules.
• Collaborate with senior supervisors, maintenance, and engineers to troubleshoot technical issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve plant performance.
• Support maintenance activities by helping with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and ensuring downtime is minimized.
• Assist with the execution of special engineering projects aimed at improving process efficiency, reducing waste, and upgrading plant systems and equipment.
• Participate in data analysis, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and report on production outcomes and areas for improvement.
• Help implement continuous improvement initiatives and support lean manufacturing practices in the plant.
• Ensure plant operations are compliant with food safety regulations, including HACCP, GMP, and sanitation practices.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining detailed reports on plant activities, safety, production status, and project progress.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervise approximately 10 hourly employees in the Dry Yeast Department

• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, scheduling, and evaluation of these hourly individuals
• Provide support in employee training and development on GMP standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
• Enforce safety, food safety rules, and company policies

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or related field).
• Strong interest in plant operations, manufacturing, and process optimization.
• Basic understanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations (training will be provided).
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with a strong analytical mindset.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a team-oriented approach.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with plant management or engineering software is a plus.
• Willingness to learn and apply engineering concepts to improve plant processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or food production environment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Basic understanding of plant maintenance and equipment management.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a plant environment, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting of equipment or materials.
• Must be able to work in varying conditions, including noisy or temperature-variable settings, and follow all health and safety protocols.