John Koons
Production Supervisor
St. Joseph,MT
Summary
Experienced with managing production schedules and team performance to ensure timely and quality output. Utilizes strategic planning and problem-solving skills to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Track record of fostering a collaborative work environment and navigating complex production challenges.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Supervisor—Injection and Press rooms
Daily's Premium Meats
St. Joseph, MO
07.2016 - Current
- Learn all aspects of the injection operation including, machine setup and preparation of cure mixture.
- Acquired comprehensive knowledge of Press Room operations, focusing on press operation, troubleshooting, and ensuring proper palletizing and labeling of finished products.
- Accomplishments:
- Coordinated daily schedules, staffing, and line assignments to meet production goals.
- Monitored USDA, HACCP, and GMP compliance during processing and packaging activities.
- Trained employees on equipment operation, sanitation procedures, and product handling standards.
- Resolved workflow bottlenecks to improve line efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Inspected product quality throughout shifts to ensure consistency and customer specifications.
- Partnered with maintenance and sanitation teams to support equipment readiness and plant cleanliness.
- Documented production issues, corrective actions, and shift results for management review.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Oversaw employee training initiatives to ensure all team members were proficient in company procedures, safety regulations, and job-specific tasks.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Managed team of 42 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Consistently met or exceeded production targets while maintaining strict quality standards, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
Production Supervisor- Raw Meat receiving- Preblending Operation- Dry Spice Receiving and pull operations
Hillshire Brands
St. Joseph, MO
03.2013 - 07.2016
- Improve OEE from 85% to 95% in the Preblending Operation
- Reduced inedible from .08% to .04%
- Increased use of rework in the blending operation
- Implemented inventory control improvements for raw materials, including dry ingredients and raw meats, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
- Inspection and receipt of incoming raw materials including, incoming meat and dry ingredients to meet standards.
- Ensure process safety requirements are met
- Ensure compliance with USDA guidelines
- Supervise Deli Stuffing and Blending Operation
- Supervise Hot Dog and Sausage Preblend Operation
- Collaborated with Quality to ensure all products met food safety and formulation requirements.
- Inventory management to ensure that raw materials are prepared and staged for next day’s production startup.
- Directly manage crews of 15-30 people.
- Planned and organized shift activities, determining manpower requirements and troubleshooting problem areas to maintain production flow.
- Meet daily safety, and production goals to achieve OEE requirements.
- Conducted safety training, food safety training, and daily safety huddle meetings.
- Troubleshoot problem areas using the people and resources available.
- Conducted various responsibilities including team management and project coordination.
- Listed significant achievements and contributions made.
Assistant Unit Manager-Wet Starch Department
Ingredion
Kansas City, MO
06.2011 - 01.2013
- Supervised shift operations by overseeing team performance and ensuring task completion.
- Coordinated maintenance activities to ensure operational efficiency in wet starch department
- Revised and updated operational procedures to enhance compliance and streamline processes
- Troubleshot production issues to maintain product quality and meet production targets
- Maintenance Planning for Wet Starch Department
- Work with Engineering on Process improvement projects
- Coaching and Counseling of Employees
- Project coordinator for MAL Energy Consultants
- Worked previously with National Starch to manage operational projects.
- Responsibilities Include.
Wet Starch Production Supervisor
National Starch Co.
Kansas City, MO
10.2009 - 06.2011
- Authored new startup and shutdown procedures for the evaporators.
- Authored new CIP procedure for the evaporators
- Authored new safety procedures for the Germ Dryers
- Designed and implemented sanitation schedules to enhance GMP compliance.
- Directly manage crews of 10-25 people.
- Planned and organized shift activities, determining manpower requirements, planning production runs, and troubleshooting mechanical and personnel issues.
- Meet daily sanitation, safety, and production requirements.
- Troubleshoot problem areas using the people and resources available.
- Managed maintenance technicians to address production needs through preventive maintenance, breakdown repairs, and minor project implementations.
- Communicate company plans and expectations and minimum requirements to hourly employees.
- Listen to and Evaluate suggestions, ideas and recommendations from direct reports.
- Provided guidance and support to subordinates to enhance performance and resolve issues.
- Set objectives for crew and communicate those objectives. Issue instruction and directions.
- Assign responsibility to Associates and hold to accountability.
- Implemented corrective measures for Associates to maintain a respectful and productive work environment.
- Resolved employee complaints and grievances to foster a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Perform Monthly Safety Training
Distillery Shift Production Supervisor
MGP Ingredients, Inc.
Atchison, KS
01.1994 - 01.2009
- Reduced energy usage by 50% through process optimization and employee engagement.
- Helped to increase production by over 60%
- Involved in six new process startups including helping to author SOPs.
- Certified in HAZWOPER
- Trained and coached employees, elevating operational skills to enhance overall team performance.
- Directly manage crews of 10-25 hourly employees to achieve maximum production of top quality products in a safe and efficient manner. Indirectly responsible for managing up to 40-50 employees at any given time.
- Plan and organize daily shift activities, determine manpower requirements and manpower utilization necessary to meet and/or exceed desired goals. Responsible for scheduling hourly employees.
- Troubleshoot problem areas using the people and resources available.
- Manage Maintenance Technicians to meet production needs including preventive, breakdown, and minor project implementation for process improvement.
- Communicate company plans and expectations and minimum requirements to hourly employees of the hourly employees.
- Listen to and Evaluate suggestions, ideas and recommendations from direct reports.
- Conduct annual detailed performance reviews with hourly employees to emphasize the required standards for various jobs. Counsel subordinates.
- Set objectives for crew and communicate those objectives. Issue instruction and directions.
- Assign responsibility to Associates and hold to accountability.
- Discipline Associates (within limits of authority) when required.
- Handle complaints and grievances.
- Assist in training hourly employees, including safety and process training.
- Facilitated team building activities and conducted team meetings with hourly employees.
- Accomplishments include:
- Responsibilities:
Distillery Utility Operator
MGP Ingredients
Atchison, KS
08.1987 - 03.1994
- Learned and operated all aspects of the distillery operation safely and efficiently, including boilers, dryhouse, evaporators, cooker, fermentation, and distillation.
- Ensured product quality by monitoring and inspecting production processes.
- Adhered to plant rules and procedures to maintain operational safety and efficiency.
- Implemented all plant safety rules and procedures to prevent workplace accidents.
Education
AAS - Computer Support Technology
Northeast Kansas Tech College/Highland CC
Atchison, KS01-2002
Skills
- Production oversight
- Quality control
- Continuous improvement
- Production planning
- Production scheduling
- Workflow optimization
- Equipment monitoring
- Inventory control
- Employee training
Accomplishments
- Achieved new equipment startup through effectively helping with coordination and planning of equipment start and production planning for trial runs. Worked with vendors and set up Satisfactory Acceptance Testing prior to signing off on the new equipment.
Timeline
Production Supervisor—Injection and Press rooms
Daily's Premium Meats
07.2016 - Current
Production Supervisor- Raw Meat receiving- Preblending Operation- Dry Spice Receiving and pull operations
Hillshire Brands
03.2013 - 07.2016
Assistant Unit Manager-Wet Starch Department
Ingredion
06.2011 - 01.2013
Wet Starch Production Supervisor
National Starch Co.
10.2009 - 06.2011
Distillery Shift Production Supervisor
MGP Ingredients, Inc.
01.1994 - 01.2009
Distillery Utility Operator
MGP Ingredients
08.1987 - 03.1994
AAS - Computer Support Technology
Northeast Kansas Tech College/Highland CC