Akron. Ford Gum & Machine. 3rd Shift Production Supervisor. $75,000 - $85,000/year. 3rd Shift.

Enforce all GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and SQF (Safe Quality Food) requirements across the shift. Maintain a clean, safe, and audit-ready production environment at all times.

Summary The 3rd Shift Production Supervisor is a hands-on leader responsible for overseeing all gum manufacturing activities during the overnight shift, ensuring production goals, safety, quality, and compliance standards are consistently met. This individual sets the tone for teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a working supervisor someone who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves, work alongside their team, and drive excellence in every aspect of the operation.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Building

Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of operators, material handlers, and sanitation staff to meet or exceed production goals.

Foster a positive, competitive, and collaborative environment that promotes pride in workmanship and team success.

Serve as a working leader, actively engaging in daily operations to support team performance and troubleshoot issues in real time.

Provide coaching and feedback that builds skill, confidence, and accountability across the shift.

Partner with other shift supervisors to ensure smooth handoffs, open communication, and consistent performance standards.

Production Management

Oversee gum manufacturing processes including mixing, forming, conditioning, packaging, and equipment sanitation.

Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining product quality, minimizing downtime, and optimizing labor efficiency.

Monitor process parameters, machine performance, and operator adherence to standards.

Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to address process deviations and ensure corrective actions are sustained.

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance

Conduct and document line inspections, startup checks, and GMP walk-throughs.

Lead by example in enforcing hygiene, allergen control, product traceability, and documentation accuracy.

Continuous Improvement

Identify and drive opportunities for waste reduction, process improvement, and equipment reliability.

Support root cause analysis and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) activities.

Encourage employee suggestions and recognize innovative thinking that improves efficiency and quality.

Safety & Culture Promote a zero-injury mindset ensuring compliance with OSHA and internal safety standards. Conduct daily safety talks and ensure all employees are properly trained and using PPE. Lead with integrity and fairness, reinforcing company values and policies through consistent actions.

Qualifications Education: Associates or Bachelors degree preferred; relevant experience may substitute. Experience: Minimum 35 years in food manufacturing or similar regulated environment; at least 2 years in a leadership role.

Knowledge:

Strong understanding of GMP, SQF, and HACCP principles.

Familiar with mechanical and process systems used in candy or gum manufactur

Skills:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Proven ability to lead from the floor coaching, training, and working alongside operators.

Strong problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills.

Proficiency in production reporting systems (Redzone, ERP, or equivalent).

Personal Attributes:

Energetic, competitive, and results-driven.

Reliable and self-motivated with a no excuses mentality.

Committed to fostering teamwork and continuous improvement.

Follow link to apply online: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Ford-Gum/jobs

Ford Gum & Machine

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3rd Shift Production Manager