Pack Supervisor

Job Title: Pack Supervisor Reports to: Plant Manager Location: Santa Paula, CA Compensation Range: $47,840 - $60,320 Work Schedule/Shift: Schedule will be assigned based on operational needs and may include extended hours, overtime, weekends, and seasonal adjustments to meet production demands.

Summary:

Under the direction of the Plant Manager, the Pack Supervisor oversees daily Pack Department operations by coordinating staff, monitoring production, and directing employees engaged in grading and packing fruit to meet quality, safety, food safety, and production standards. This role exercises independent judgment in assigning work, supporting training, setting production priorities, correcting grading discrepancies, reinforcing Association policies and performance expectations, and responding to operational needs throughout the shift. The Pack Supervisor helps maintain efficient workflow, proper fruit grading, accurate order fulfillment, and timely processing of fruit into properly labeled cartons while coordinating with Shipping and Storage to meet customer and production demands. The position supports company goals by maintaining required records, conducting audits and tailgate meetings, promoting workplace safety and food security, and partnering with management to address employee concerns, coaching, and discipline-related matters.

Essential Job Functions

• Guide and oversee pack department employees, including daily work assignments, workflow, staffing levels, and department priorities.
• Make final decisions for grading, palletizing, quality control, packing line operations, staffing needs, and production adjustments during assigned shifts.
• Ensure fruit is packed according to grade, size, color, labeling, container requirements, Sunkist specifications, and Association quality standards.
• Train, coach, and direct employees on grading standards, quality control, proper packing procedures, safety requirements, and Association policies.
• Review production, safety, quality, and operational records for accuracy and completeness and follow up on missing or incorrect information.
• Coordinate with Shipping, Storage, maintenance, quality control, and management to align production, staffing, equipment, and customer demand.
• Monitor and resolve discrepancies related to Sunkist specifications using Clarifruit and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Ensure packing equipment, grading equipment, and labeling systems are operating properly and authorize or request adjustments needed to maintain product quality.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, food security, safety rules, wage and hour expectations, and Association policies.
• Inspect the department regularly to confirm safety, efficiency, cleanliness, sanitation, workflow, and productivity standards are being met.
• Identify equipment or process issues, submit or approve work order requests, and coordinate year-end downtime repairs with management.
• Conduct safety inspections, hazard checklists, incident follow-up, and employee communication meetings, including tailgate meetings.
• Provide direction, coaching, documentation, and recommendations related to employee performance, attendance, conduct, and corrective action.
• Assist with repairs and maintenance of all equipment within their department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day supervision and directions to pack department employees.
• Review and approve employee timesheets daily for accuracy and completeness. When the Supervisor is not working, this responsibility goes to the Plant Manager.
• Review and recommend employee time-off requests in accordance with Association policies. When the Supervisor is not working, this responsibility goes to the Plant Manager.
• Assist with collecting signed employee forms as required by the Association policies.
• Support training, coaching, and performance feedback for employees.
• Promote positive employee relations and address or escalate concerns as needed.
• Support disciplinary processes through consistent communication, documentation, and adherence to policy.
• Work with management to resolve employee issues, complaints, or grievances. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to coordinate employee activities and prioritize workflow in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of packing operations, grading standards, and quality control practices.
• Strong organizational, time management, and recordkeeping skills.
• Proficient in using computer systems and general business software for data entry, reporting, and daily operations.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships across departments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in citrus packing or similar environment.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Basic computer proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office or similar systems) preferred
• Forklift Operator Certification preferred

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequent use of hands to handle materials and operate equipment.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform physical tasks and work in a production environment, including climbing stairs or ladders as needed.
• Requires adequate vision, including close and distance vision, to perform job duties.

Work Environment:

• Combination of production floor and office environment.
• Exposure to noise, machinery, and varying temperatures.

Safety & Compliance Responsibilities:

• Follow all Association safety policies.
• Comply with food safety and food security requirements.
• Report unsafe conditions, hazards, and incidents immediately.
• Adhere to all OSHA and applicable regulatory safety standards.

Performance Expectations:

• Performance will be evaluated based on:
• Meeting production and shipping requirements.
• Maintaining quality and compliance standards.
• Promoting safe work practices and timely reporting of hazards and incidents.
• Demonstrating communication, teamwork, and leadership.
• Maintaining accurate records.
• Achieving departmental efficiency and productivity targets.

At-Will Employment Statement:

Employment with the Company is at-will. This means that either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination based on any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, and local laws.