Purpose of the Role
The Senior Production Supervisor (NPD) supports the Head of Operations in developing innovative sausage products that drive business growth while maintaining operational excellence. The role oversees the entire new product development (NPD) cycle from concept to launch ensuring quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
In addition, the position supervises day-to-day production activities, ensuring optimal use of resources, adherence to safety and hygiene standards, and achievement of production goals.
Scope of Responsibilities
1. New Product Development (NPD)
- Lead the full process of developing new sausage products from ideation, formulation, and testing to market launch.
- Conduct recipe development, product trials, and shelf-life testing to ensure quality and performance.
- Collaborate with R&D and culinary teams to validate product taste, texture, and appearance.
- Document and standardize product specifications, including ingredients, nutritional data, and processes.
- Ensure all NPD activities comply with relevant food safety and labeling standards.
- Continuously evaluate new product performance and implement improvements as needed.
2. Production Integration
- Plan and oversee pilot runs to assess scalability and production feasibility.
- Coordinate closely with production teams to align new processes, workflows, and equipment needs.
- Identify and resolve operational issues during new product introduction.
- Ensure minimal disruption to existing lines during NPD integration.
- Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new products and train production staff.
- Monitor yield, efficiency, and downtime during the transition and implementation stages.
3. Quality & Safety Compliance
- Maintain strict adherence to HACCP, GMP, and other relevant food safety standards.
- Conduct quality checks during trials and early production runs to ensure consistency.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance to address non-conformities and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain proper documentation for audits and inspections.
- Conduct risk assessments for new ingredients, equipment, and processes.
- Promote a culture of hygiene, food safety, and continuous improvement.
4. Cost & Resource Management
- Evaluate raw material, labor, and equipment costs for all new products.
- Monitor and minimize wastage during NPD and production phases.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and post-launch cost analysis to measure ROI.
- Collaborate with procurement to ensure cost-effective sourcing of ingredients.
- Optimize manpower, machinery, and time utilization during production.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with marketing, procurement, R&D, and operations teams to ensure alignment of NPD goals with overall business objectives.
- Communicate development updates, challenges, and milestones to key stakeholders.
- Facilitate staff training and ensure clear communication between teams.
- Incorporate market insights, customer feedback, and competitor analysis into product development decisions.
6. Ancillary Responsibilities
- Participate in departmental and organizational improvement projects.
- Support training, safety, and quality initiatives within the production team.
- Contribute ideas for operational efficiency and sustainability improvements.
7. Levels of Authority
- Supervises and manages production staff under assigned shifts.
- Reports directly to the Head of Operations.
- Recommends process improvements and production resource allocations.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; Culinary or Apprenticeship Program preferred.
- Minimum 35 years of experience in a food production or sausage manufacturing environment, including hands-on NPD or supervisory experience.
- Certification in Food Safety / HACCP / Health & Hygiene preferred.
Supportive Skills
- Strong leadership, time management, and organizational abilities.
- Excellent understanding of food production processes, machinery, and hygiene standards.
- Good knowledge of safety, sanitation, and fire regulations.
- Ability to follow recipes and production instructions with precision.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Team-oriented, disciplined, and adaptable to fast-paced environments.
- High personal hygiene standards and proper grooming at all times.
