Electrical and Automation Supervisor

Creekstone Farms - Arkansas City, KS

Full-time

Arkansas City, KS

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Electrical and Automation Supervisor at Creekstone Farms is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Controls department. This role involves managing, tuning, and troubleshooting the plant's electrical systems to ensure high availability of supported business applications. The supervisor will maintain and troubleshoot various systems and technologies while participating in the planning and implementation of policies and procedures that align with company goals, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements. The position requires a continuous improvement mindset and a commitment to fostering a "Creekstone Proud" culture through positive attitude and actions. In terms of strategy and planning, the supervisor will participate in capacity planning and help develop strategic goals for automated and plant electrical systems. The role also includes coordinating with Production Managers, Maintenance Managers, IT network Managers, business application owners, and outside vendors to address system failures effectively. The supervisor will oversee the maintenance of various equipment, including workstations, printers, scanners, cameras, scales, and metal detectors, ensuring that all systems are functioning optimally. Operational management responsibilities include planning, organizing, and directing the work of Control Systems Technicians, inspecting completed work for compliance with specifications, enforcing safety and housekeeping practices, and ensuring effective employee relations. The supervisor will provide coaching and development to employees, manage training and performance appraisals, and oversee the troubleshooting and repair of packaging and conveying systems, including PLCs and labeling equipment. Additionally, the supervisor will analyze production operations for reliability and cost-saving opportunities, recommend plant modifications, and conduct research on emerging products and standards in support of control systems procurement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Controls.
• Manage, tune, and troubleshoot plant electrical systems.
• Maintain high levels of availability of supported business applications.
• Participate in capacity planning and development of strategic goals for automated and plant electrical systems.
• Coordinate with Production Managers, Maintenance Managers, IT network Manager, business application owners, and outside vendors to address system failures.
• Supervise the maintenance of workstations, printers, scanners, cameras, scales, metal detectors, and other Company equipment and electrical systems.
• Plan, organize, and direct the work of Control Systems Technicians.
• Inspect completed work for conformance to specifications and standards.
• Enforce safety, GMP, and housekeeping practices.
• Ensure effective employee relations and provide coaching and development.
• Oversee training and performance appraisals of assigned staff.
• Manage control systems and work with equipment vendors and contractors.
• Troubleshoot and repair packaging and conveying systems, including PLCs and labeling equipment.
• Anticipate, identify, troubleshoot, and resolve electrical distribution and power problems.
• Support application development teams throughout project life-cycles.
• Analyze production and physical plant operations for reliability and cost-saving opportunities.
• Recommend and assist with plant modifications, upgrades, and equipment installation.
• Conduct research on emerging products and standards for control systems procurement.
• Create required reports in response to business needs.
• Participate in negotiations with vendors and contractors for repair parts and services.
• Maintain policies and procedures for system administration and appropriate use.
• Manage and provide guidance to other team members.
• Deliver against monthly targets using leading indicator KPIs.
• Promote accountability and success in fostering a Creekstone Proud Culture.

Requirements

• Two to four years equivalent work experience required.
• College diploma or university degree in the field of electrical or control systems preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft, Allen Bradley, Square D, Cutler Hammer, and the National Electric Code.
• Strong knowledge of power distribution systems including 4160VAC, 480/277VAC, 120/208VAC, and 12-48VDC.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, and networking issues.
• Experience with work order management and documenting configuration and process information.
• Good understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.
• Strong customer service orientation and proven analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills with a diverse workforce.
• Adept at reading, writing, and interpreting technical documentation and procedure manuals.
• Ability to conduct research into hardware and software issues and products as required.
• Ability to present ideas and solutions in user-friendly language.
• Highly self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail.
• Skilled at working within a team-oriented, collaborative environment.