Job Title: Operations Supervisor
Department: Operations
Reports To: Director of Manufacturing
Location: Essex, MD

Job Summary:

The Operations Supervisor will oversee and manage the production processes within Lucta Flavors & Fragrances. This position is responsible for supervising the production team, ensuring efficient operations, safety compliance, and the highest quality standards. The supervisor will also be responsible for material handling, blending operations, safety compliance, and ensuring adherence to company policies. This role requires a hands-on approach to managing daily tasks such as blending, filling, material handling, inventory management, and leading a logistics team. The ideal candidate will have prior leadership experience in operations management, logistics coordination, and team training.

Key Responsibilities:

Blending, Production Operations & Material Handling:

• Oversee and monitor all blending operations, ensuring accurate measurements, loading of bulk ingredients, and the efficient operation of blending equipment to maintain high product quality and consistency.
• Make real-time adjustments to blending machines to optimize performance and prevent over-blending or under-blending, ensuring the desired product specifications are met.
• Perform regular quality checks on blended products, including visual inspections and sampling to verify consistency, color, texture, and overall product quality.
• Document all blending processes, ingredient usage, and quality control results in compliance with company policies, ensuring traceability and regulatory adherence.
• Oversee the handling, storage, and transport of raw materials, ingredients, and finished products, ensuring proper organization and minimal risk of contamination or damage.
• Manage inventory levels and maintain accurate documentation of material usage, utilizing inventory management systems to track and update stock levels.
• Monitor material levels, ensuring timely reordering to prevent production delays and maintain continuous workflow.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure the efficient flow of materials and products to meet production schedules.

Team Supervision, Leadership & Collaboration:

• Supervise the team, providing leadership, coaching, and support to achieve production goals and maintain high-quality standards.
• Lead logistics teams in managing the efficient flow of materials and finished products, ensuring alignment with production demands.
• Provide training and development to team members, ensuring they understand all operational processes, safety protocols, and quality control standards.
• Collaborate with the maintenance and production teams to prioritize tasks, resolve issues, and ensure smooth workflow.
• Conduct performance reviews, set objectives for team members, and facilitate ongoing development opportunities.
• Facilitate team meetings to discuss production goals, safety concerns, and best practices.

Quality Control:

• Implement and uphold quality control procedures, ensuring products meet Lucta’s quality standards.
• Participate in regular audits and collaborate with quality assurance teams to address discrepancies and implement corrective actions.

Work Conditions:

• The work environment is a busy, often noisy manufacturing plant subject to weather conditions, smells, and fluctuating temperatures.
• Employees may be exposed to allergens, food powders, and potentially strong odors.
• The role involves standing for long periods and requires lifting materials and equipment weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, steel-toed boots, and ear protection is required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 4 years of leadership experience in logistics, manufacturing, or operations, with a proven track record of successfully managing teams and meeting production goals.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to motivate and train team members.
• Proven experience in logistics team management, with the ability to manage inventory, coordinate material flows, and ensure timely delivery of production materials.
• Knowledge of blending, filling, and material handling operations, particularly in food manufacturing, is preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Ability to handle chemicals and hazardous materials safely.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and perform physical tasks for extended periods.
• Proficiency in inventory management and documentation, with attention to detail.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Standing for long periods and performing physical tasks such as bending, lifting, and maneuvering equipment.
• Ability to work in environments subject to weather conditions, smells, allergens, and dust,

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer.

Lucta is committed to the principles of equal employment and to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is inclusive and equitable, free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based upon an individual's age, race (including traits historically associated with race, which includes hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity, or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), military status (including status as a uniformed servicemember, a veteran, or dependent of a servicemember), or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Lucta is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.