Product Development Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About the Company:
For over 60 years, Branding Iron Holdings ("BIH") has been producing high-quality beef and pork products while delivering customized solutions to the food service and retail trade industries. With an eye to the future, BIH has put a strong focus on building internal talent and on leveraging unique product lines and national distribution to drive continued growth. Guided by a strong set of core values (Respect, Integrity, and Stewardship), which reflect a culture of servant leadership at every level, BIH's team works hard to foster an environment that embraces and fosters meaningful, long-term relationships with both employees and its customer base.
Position Summary:
The Production Supervisor is responsible for leading daily operations within the grinding and packaging department. This role provides direct oversight of hourly team members, with a strong focus on safety, team development, and consistent delivery of high-quality, food-safe product. The Supervisor partners closely with Quality and other support teams to ensure operational standards are met. A key focus will be on identifying opportunities to improve processes, reducing waste, and enhancing overall productivity and profitability.
Responsibilities:
• Coordinate grinding and packaging department activities to align with overall business objectives and operational plans.
• Assess administrative needs, allocate resources, and monitor performance to support operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Oversee daily production operations, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Supervisors, and Leads to support staffing needs and lead, coach, and support team performance.
• Recommend, test, and implement new equipment to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
• Maintain oversight of assigned production areas and personnel during assigned shifts.
• Ensure accurate documentation of production data, including yields and new product performance, within the database.
• Prepare and submit operational and performance reports as required.
• Actively participate in the HACCP team to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Serve on safety committees and contribute to continuous improvement of workplace safety practices.
• Liaise with Sales, R&D, and Quality teams to support product development, resolve customer complaints, and improve existing products.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to ensure equipment readiness and minimize downtime.
• Work closely with USDA inspectors to maintain compliance with federal regulations.
• Participate in crisis management planning and response activities related to production, food safety, or workplace incidents.
• Lead regular production meetings to communicate updates, changes, and foster team engagement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
• Serve as an active member of the HAZMAT Team as required.
• Utilize designated production planning and scheduling systems (e.g., ROSS).
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years of experience in food manufacturing, including leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and support hourly teams in a production environment.
Strong understanding of food safety, quality, and workplace safety requirements, including familiarity with USDA, SQF, and OSHA standards.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, make sound decisions, and support consistent production performance.
• Working knowledge of production documentation, basic computer systems, and mathematical concepts related to manufacturing.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to identify and resolve operational, process, and personnel issues.
• Flexible availability to support varied work schedules.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in protein, ready-to-eat, or high-volume food manufacturing environments.
• Experience with grinding, patty-making, or similar protein processing operations.
• Familiarity with Formax equipment, grinders, or related production machinery.
• Experience partnering with Quality and regulatory teams, including interaction with USDA inspectors.
• Working knowledge of employee relations practices and performance accountability.
• Experience participating in HACCP programs, safety committees, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Exposure to production planning or scheduling systems (e.g., ROSS).
Benefits Overview
Competitive base salary ($55,000-$75,000). Base salary is one component of a competitive compensation package for employees. Full benefits package, including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off. We take into consideration a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, and internal equity when determining the base salary offered. Roles are eligible for additional rewards, including participation in an annual incentive program, based on individual and company performance.
Branding Iron Holdings is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, disability, veteran status, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.
Salary Description
$55,000-$75,000 annually