Production supervisors make sure the plant operates smoothly, safely and efficiently to produce a quality product that meets the needs of the customer. They are employed in all sectors of the food-processing industry in both large and small companies.

• oral communication.
• thinking skills.
• planning and organizing.

The typical text reading tasks of production supervisors are at Complexity Level 2 and 3. Their most complex text reading tasks are at Complexity Level 4.

Production supervisors:

• read faxes from customers asking about orders and making special requests. (daily) (2)
• read brochures from companies that offer training seminars. (2)
• read instructions for forms such as tender forms to find details. (occasionally) (2)
• read letters from suppliers and contractors to find out about new equipment or changes to a product. (weekly) (2)
• read newsletters, trade magazines and books to keep up to date with new materials and procedures and research. (3)
• may read material on Internet sites related to products and competitors to make sure their company is competitive. (3)
• refer to equipment manuals to learn how to operate, adjust or repair equipment. (3)
• read regulations to find out a procedure such as HACCP protocol or employee policy. (3)
• read reports from government departments to keep up with studies and research being done and familiarize themselves with new regulations. (monthly) (4)

The typical document reading tasks of production supervisors are at Complexity Levels 1 to 3. Their most complex document reading tasks are at Complexity Level 3.

Production supervisors:

• may verify packing lists to see that an order is accurately filled. (1)
• read lists of ingredients and recipes to check that the correct ingredients are used. (1)
• may consult supplier price lists to find costs of raw materials. (1)
• read labels on raw materials to determine if the raw material is compatible with the product they produce. (daily) (1)
• check material catalogues to locate quality raw materials. (2)
• read customer orders to plan the production schedule. (daily) (2)
• read tables such as the pest control record or tables of product sales per item per month. (2)
• read inventory forms to determine supply needs and amount of product on hand to meet special orders. (2)
• may consult tables to confirm the volume of ingredients to be used for a different batch size. (2)
• reads charts to check and compare sales figures. (2)
• read operation manuals to check on a specific procedure. (3)
• may read blueprints to plan renovations such as installing a new floor or changing the location of a door or sink. (3)

Production supervisors:

• complete forms such as clean up procedures or incident/accident reports.
• may draw a floor plan when planning renovations.
• may create forms such as 'clean-up protocol' checklist, 'parameters for equipment operation' table, or 'equipment maintenance' form.

Production supervisors:

• read signs, labels or lists.
• complete forms by marking check boxes, recording numerical information or entering words, phrases, sentences or texts of a paragraph or more.
• read completed forms containing check boxes, numerical entries, phrases, addresses, sentences or texts of a paragraph or more.
• read tables, schedules or other table-like text.
• create tables, schedules or other table-like text.
• enter information on tables, schedules or other table-like text.
• obtain specific information from graphs or charts.
• interpret information on graphs or charts.
• interpret scale drawings.
• make sketches.

The typical writing tasks of production supervisors are at Complexity Levels 1 to 3. Their most complex writing tasks are at Complexity Levels 3 and 4.

Production supervisors:

• Write notes to themselves about irregularities in product or equipment operation. (1)
• Write entries of a paragraph or more on forms such as inspection reports. (1)
• Write memos to employees to notify them of changes in schedule, special tasks to be done or to inform them of production errors. (1)
• Write a daily journal or log to record production efficiency or describe specification changes. (2)
• Write letters to the Federal Department of Agriculture to seek approval for label changes. (2)
• Write a record in a journal of different procedures that have been tried such as using partly frozen raw material in baking, and the results. (2)
• Write letters to suppliers to request information about production equipment, materials or packaging. (2)
• Write letters to customers to explain a change in product or product label. (3)
• May write product descriptions for promotion purposes. (3)
• Write proposals to authorities presenting a case for plant expansion or renovation. (4)

The numeracy tasks of production supervisors involve:

• money math at Complexity Level 1.
• scheduling or budgeting and accounting math at Complexity Levels 1 to 3.
• measurement and calculation math at Complexity Level 1 to 3.
• data analysis math at Complexity Levels 2 and 3.

• numerical estimation at Complexity Levels 1 to 3.

• may take payment for a product item and provide change for a customer. (money math) (1)
• monitor the inventory to ensure that the product moves to customer within the shelf life parameters. (scheduling or budgeting and accounting) (1)
• compare monthly sales, supply orders and payroll to business plan. (scheduling or budgeting and accounting) (1)
• prepare and adjust the production schedule according to the orders received. Determine quantity of raw product and supplies needed to fill orders. (scheduling or budgeting and accounting) (3)
• weigh or measure a product to make sure it meets the product specifications; e.g. measure the fat content to ensure product quality. (measurement and calculation) (1)
• measure temperature to make sure equipment is functioning properly. (measurement and calculation) (1)
• convert the weight of a raw product from imperial to metric measure to meet the recipe requirements. (measurement and calculation) (2)
• calculate the weight of ingredients needed to change a batch size. (measurement and calculation) (2)
• calculate the cost of the product according to the yield and cost of the raw materials. (measurement and calculation) (2)
• calculate the profit margin for each new item introduced. (measurement and calculation) (3)
• interpret results from tests such as bacteria tests to see whether they meet production standards. (data analysis) (2)
• compare results from different production runs to make decisions about how to adjust the product for optimum quality. (data analysis) (3)
• may estimate how much time is required to do a run in order to give a client a possible delivery time. (numerical estimation) (1)
• estimate how much manpower is required for a particular order. (numerical estimation) (2)
• may estimate costs for maintenance and repairs within a thousand dollars. (numerical estimation) (2)
• may estimate product quantities required for peak periods such as New Year's Day. (numerical estimation) (3)

a. Mathematical Foundations Used

b. How Calculations Are Performed

• in their head.
• using a pen and paper.
• using a calculator.
• using a computer.

c. Measurement Instruments Used

• time - For example, using a clock or watch.
• weight or mass - For example, using digital and analogue scales.
• distance or dimension - For example, using a tape measure or a standard size marker.
• temperature - For example, using a temperature probe or a gauge.
• pressure - For example, using gauges to monitor equipment functioning.
• density - For example, using a spectral refractometer.

• the metric measurement system.
• the imperial measurement system.

The typical oral communication tasks of production supervisors are at Complexity Levels 1 to 3. Their most complex oral communication tasks are at Complexity Level 3.

Production supervisors:

• may discuss orders and pricing with suppliers. (1)
• may speak with distributors to promote or introduce a new product. Speak with customers to find out how they like the new product. (2)
• give instructions to workers about production changes and problems. Brief workers about a new products. Keep open channels of communication with employees, providing both negative and positive feedback. (2)
• instruct new employees about work procedures and company policies. (2)
• may consult with workers about whether the flavour of a new product is acceptable. (2)
• suggest improvements and discuss changes in work procedures with the plant manager. (3)
• may speak to colleagues in other companies about products used and changes in health policies. (3)
• may deal with an employee or a supplier over a conflict. For example, explain to suppliers why a raw product just received is unacceptable and how it differs from a previous purchase. (3)
• may give promotional talks to community groups about using the product for fund raising. (3)

Production supervisors communicate:

• in person.
• using the telephone.

Production supervisors sometimes must communicate in a room where noisy equipment is operating. Occasionally they speak with a worker who has to wear a face mask because of allergies to some raw ingredient. This may interfere with the clarity of communication.

1. Problem Solving

The typical problem solving tasks of production supervisors are at Complexity Levels 1 to 3. Their most complex problem solving tasks are at Complexity Level 4.

Production supervisors:

• encounter problems meeting production deadlines because an automated process fails during a batch. They may finish the batch manually. (1)
• receive a request for a product that isn't currently available. They look at the raw product on hand and determine if they can produce what has been requested. (2)
• find that a machine is not producing a product to meet specifications. They observe and analyse, then make adjustments to the equipment or to the product mix so they can produce a quality product. (3)
• encounter difficulties in an assembly line process with containers bunching and collapsing and the product consequently spilling. They adjust the machine or check with suppliers to find a sturdier container. (3)
• find that a new machine part is not compatible with existing equipment. They call for technical support and attempt to make appropriate adjustments so the equipment will operate properly.(3)
• receive a complaint from a customer that a product has spoiled before its expiry date. They will replace the product and investigate to find whether the problem occurred at the production point, during transportation or at the retail site because of improper storage. (4)

The typical decision making tasks of production supervisors are at Complexity Levels 1 to 3. Their most complex decision making tasks are at Complexity Level 3.

• decide when to order raw materials and when to bring in additional staff. In order to keep production flowing. (1)
• decide whether to make a policy change regarding the amount of time spent on a part of a production process. (2)
• decide to change the sequencing of production to improve efficiency by reducing the number of individual clean-up times. (2)
• decide what ingredients are necessary to ensure the best taste for a new product. (2)
• decide whether a new raw ingredient is good enough to use in a new product. (2)
• decide when to use different, stronger spray in carrying out sanitizing procedures such as shock treatment of bacteria. (2)
• decide when and how to discipline employees who are breaking policy / rules. (3)
• decide whether to increase production or lay off staff based on the percentage of labour costs. (3)

Production supervisors plan and organize their job tasks at Complexity Level 3.

Production supervisors are responsible for quality, efficiency, cost effectiveness and the smooth and safe operation of the plant. They prepare the daily schedule of production so that they fill customer's orders with a minimum of wastage. They ensure that they have the necessary supplies, raw materials and workers available so that the plant runs as efficiently as possible. They ensure that employees have the training and resources to meet all requirements for safety, quality and production. They adjust the production schedule to accommodate special situations and communicate changes in routine to the front-line workers.

Production supervisors deal with emerging problems such as machinery breakdown to maintain continuous production. They ensure that their production method meets regulations and their product is of satisfactory quality for their customers.

Examples

Production supervisors:

• remember what a previously purchased raw product was like in quality, colour, size and/or shape to compare it with newly received raw product.
• remember when regular clients last ordered so they can anticipate when their orders will come in again. Remember how particular customers like their order filled.
• remember information about suppliers such as which supplier is slow in responding to requests and anticipate how long it will take to fill the order.

5. Finding Information

Production supervisor's tasks that involve finding information are at Complexity Levels 2 to 3.

Production supervisors may:

• get information from a specialist such as a chemist about environmental standards for waste management or a food scientist to find out how to improve a product. (2)
• look up information in a manual. For example, find out about company policies or sanitizing procedures. (2)
• find information about new production methods in magazines or books. (3)

Production supervisors must work with many different people. They plan the tasks of the production staff and often are personally involved in the production process. They provide orientation for new employees and encourage employee participation in the company's success. They share information with the owners and respond to their requests. Production supervisors also deal with suppliers to secure raw materials and other necessary supplies to ensure a quality product. They interact with customers to identify concerns, needs and desires. They participate in discussions with inspectors and regulatory bodies to provide a safe, acceptable product.

Production supervisors:

• participate in formal discussions about work processes or product improvement.
• have opportunities to make suggestions on improving work processes.
• monitor the work performance of others.
• inform other workers or demonstrate to them how tasks are performed.
• orient new employees.
• make hiring decisions.
• select contractors and suppliers.
• assign routine tasks to other workers.
• assign new or unusual tasks to other workers.
• identify training that is required by, or would be useful for, other workers.
• deal with other workers' grievances or complaints.

The computer use tasks of production supervisors are at Complexity Levels 1 and 2.

• use word processing. For example, they write letters to suppliers requesting information. (1)
• use a spreadsheet. For example, they may use EXCEL to fill in details to adjust recipes for different amounts. (2)
• use computerized equipment. For example, they use computerized equipment that requires them to enter information into a screen set-up. They may have to change the set-up for different operations. (2)
• use communications software. For example, they may look for information about new material on the internet. (2)

Production supervisors learn on the job through trial and error. They also learn from interaction with their superiors, colleagues, suppliers and other professionals in their field. They learn from reading information in magazines and from professional organizations such as an article from the Department of Agriculture. A trainer may come to the workplace to provide specialized training on new equipment or new processes. They attend training seminars such as HACCP training or Food Safe. They may take evening or weekend courses that relate to their job, such as supervision or human relations training.

• as part of regular work activity.
• from co-workers.
• through training offered in the workplace.
• through reading or other forms of self-study:
  - at work.
  - on worker's own time.
  - using materials available through work.
  - using materials obtained through a professional association or union.
• using materials obtained on worker's own initiative.
• through off-site training:
  - during working hours at no cost to the worker.
  - partially subsidized.
  - with costs paid by the worker.

In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, our interviews with job incumbents also asked about the following topics.

The production supervisors interviewed mentioned these physical aspects of their jobs.

Body Position

Production supervisors spend their days on their feet, walking. They may have to lift and carry cases or cartons of materials.

Limb Co-ordination

Production supervisors must have upper limb co-ordination to demonstrate processes to their workers and to handle any equipment that they deal with. When they work the production line they require a lot of upper limb movement.

Strength

They need to have moderate strength for any lifting and carrying that they do.

Sensory

All production supervisors rely on their senses in making decisions about the quality of raw materials and final product. They use their eyes to judge appearance for colour, size, and any inconsistencies. They use their ears to listen for timers. They may use their taste to assess the flavour, texture or tenderness. They use their sense of smell to judge wholesomeness, freshness and appeal.

The production supervisors interviewed felt that production supervisors should have energy, be flexible and be willing to work long hours. They should have good interpersonal skills and be open to change and able to accept new ideas. They should recognize the times when they can be flexible and when they must follow rules. Production supervisors should have analytical skills that help ensure accuracy and efficiency.

In the future, production supervisors will face an increase in paperwork as more companies in the food processing industry implement HACCP and ISO systems that rely on the documentation of processes. As more automated equipment is introduced to the workplace, production supervisors may need to improve their reading skills in order to handle the technical documents involved. Additional computerized equipment will call for increased computer skills as well. Production supervisors may need to enhance their supervisory skills so that they can ensure their employees are trained to deal with changing work roles and increased demands for reading, computer and oral communication skills.

Copyright is held by the Alberta Food Processors Association.

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