Role Impact:
As part of an aseptic beverage manufacturing company, the Production Support Specialist plays an important role in supporting effective day-to-day production execution. The position coordinates critical production documentation, reviews production records, identifies and follows through on operational issues, and works across departments to support safe, efficient, and consistent production.
The Production Support Specialist strengthens production performance by identifying recurring issues, supporting root-cause problem solving, and driving practical improvements in workflow, quality, waste, downtime, and communication across shifts. This role builds broader production knowledge, problem-solving capability, and leadership experience and may serve as a development path into Production Supervision.
Role Responsibilities
- Review completed production records to confirm required entries are present, legible, accurate, and complete before records move to the next review step.
- Own follow-up on missing, unclear, or inconsistent production documentation by coordinating timely corrections with the appropriate team member or supervisor and identifying recurring gaps that require additional action.
- Coordinate, organize, and stage batching and other production documentation needed to support the blend/mix department and scheduled production runs.
- Coordinate assigned production support activities and resolve routine needs so Production Supervisors can remain visible and engaged on the production floor.
- Communicate production issues, documentation gaps, process changes, priorities, and other critical information to supervisors and affected team members and follow through on assigned actions.
- Coordinate with Production Supervisors, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, Planning, and other departments to resolve routine production needs, remove barriers, and facilitate timely transfer of information.
- Analyze recurring production and documentation issues and recommend practical improvements to production efficiency, product quality, documentation practices, and workflow.
- Lead or actively support assigned continuous improvement activities, root-cause discussions, corrective actions, and problem-solving efforts.
- Track recurring issues affecting waste, scrap, downtime, rework, and production errors; support corrective actions; and follow assigned actions through completion.
- Provide day-to-day guidance and coordination to production team members on standard processes, documentation expectations, and routine operational questions while escalating performance, policy, safety, quality, and employee-relations concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
- Support onboarding and development of production team members by reinforcing standard work, documentation requirements, and production expectations.
- Build leadership capability by facilitating assigned problem-solving discussions, coordinating production priorities, and leading defined improvement activities.
- Conduct routine audits of production documentation, cleaning records, changeover records, and related operational paperwork; resolve documentation gaps; and ensure required records are available for compliance and audit purposes.
- Support standardized execution of production processes by monitoring documentation completion, communicating gaps, identifying trends, and providing recommendations to Production Leadership on recurring issues.
- Monitor production support materials and frequently used consumables, anticipate potential shortages, and coordinate with the appropriate department to help prevent production disruptions.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety requirements, safety rules, standard operating procedures, and all applicable company policies.
- Identify recurring production, documentation, housekeeping, supply, and equipment-related challenges and take ownership of assigned improvement activities to increase consistency and reduce operational disruptions.
- Responsible for adhering to SQF and Food Safety Standards.
- Follow Food Safety Requirement/Standards as needed.
- Other duties as assigned by leadership.
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience may be considered.
Experience & Skills
- 2+ years of manufacturing, production, warehouse, quality, or related operational experience.
- Experience working with production documentation, work orders, batch records, production schedules, or similar records.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production systems used to maintain, review, and analyze operational information.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
- Ability to analyze operational issues, identify contributing factors, recommend practical solutions, and follow actions through resolution.
- Ability to communicate priorities and process expectations effectively and coordinate work across Production, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Planning.
- Ability to influence, guide, and coordinate others without direct supervisory authority.
- Ability to lead defined projects and follow actions through implementation and completion.
- Demonstrated interest and capability to grow into increased production leadership responsibility.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety principles, and production workflows.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling production records.
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and a continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and process improvement.
Physical Requirements
- Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, and overtime.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for entire shift.
- Must be able to work with equipment that contains electric magnetic components.