We have a great opportunity for someone to join us as a Production Supervisor, responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of our dry feed production facility. This role coordinates production employees, materials and equipment to ensure safe, efficient and high-quality manufacturing of animal feed products. As a member of the plant leadership reporting directly to the Regional Operations Manager/Plant Manager, the Production Supervisor ensures production schedules are achieved, product quality standards are met and operations remain compliant with all safety, feed quality and environmental requirements. The role also plays a key part in developing team capability, driving operational improvements and supporting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Business area: Liquid Products
Division: Westway
Location: Cordova, Illinois
Position Type: Full-time
Schedule: On-site.
Westway Feed Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of liquid supplements for livestock. Additionally, we produce feed mill products, dried molasses and industrial products. The core concept of Westway’s business is to utilize co-products from other industries and convert them into safe, high-quality, cost effective, livestock feed supplements. While Westway’s primary ingredient for many of our products is molasses, we also incorporate other co-products. The concept of utilizing these co-products is the foundation of our sustainability platform. Today, Westway operates 22 production facilities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Our geographic reach allows for products to be developed according to environmental and production system variations across the country.
Westway, a division within ED&F Man, is owned by Hartree Partners, LP a leading global merchant commodities firm facilitating the flow of energy, metals, agriculture, and environmental products across the full commodity supply chain, connecting producers and consumers. Hartree was founded in 1997, is jointly owned by senior management and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, LP, and employs around 5,000 individuals worldwide.
This position will be based from our manufacturing site in Cordova, IL.
The proposed basic salary will be $80-110k based on level of experience. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, details of which will be shared later.
- Coordinate daily drying, milling and bagging operations to deliver production schedules safely, efficiently and in line with customer demand.
- Oversee the setup, operation, start-up and shutdown of the dry production process, including the dryer, cooler, mill, bagging line, warehouse and robotic systems.
- Verify the correct use of raw materials and packaging materials, ensuring production work orders, lot codes and stacking patterns are completed accurately.
- Monitor bagging efficiency, product labelling and production documentation to ensure full product traceability and compliance.
- Responsible for inventory management by monitoring ingredient bins and packaging material levels while coordinating replenishment with logistics and procurement teams.
- Troubleshoot production and equipment issues, escalating maintenance requirements to minimise downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
- Lead, coach and support production team members to maintain safe working practices, efficient workflows and adherence to standard operating procedures.
- Train new operators on equipment operation, safe ingredient handling and process controls.
- Monitor attendance, performance, housekeeping and compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Promote a positive culture of teamwork, accountability and communication across production and plant leadership.
- Ensure compliance with all company safety procedures, including PPE requirements, lockout/tagout, confined space entry and chemical handling procedures.
- Maintain compliance with feed safety standards, FDA, OSHA and applicable state feed regulations.
- Maintain high housekeeping standards across production, packaging, warehouse and transfer areas in line with 5S principles.
- Complete and verify production, drying, packaging and shipping records accurately.
- Identify opportunities to improve production processes, material handling and operational efficiency.
- Drive lean manufacturing, preventive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime, waste and product loss.
- Work collaboratively with maintenance, quality and plant leadership teams to improve overall plant performance.
- A bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience; an engineering degree would be highly desirable.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience within dry feed manufacturing, feed milling or a similar process manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience in a lead, senior operator or supervisory role is strongly preferred.
- Experience operating or supporting milling equipment, rotary dryers, bagging systems, warehouse operations and robotic equipment.
- Strong leadership, communication and team development skills.
- Ability to interpret production schedules, coordinate priorities and lead safety initiatives.
- Mechanical aptitude with knowledge of conveyors, elevators, rotary dryers, fluid bed coolers, milling systems, packaging equipment and robotics.
- Experience using ERP systems, production tracking software and electronic production records.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to respond effectively to operational issues.
- High attention to detail with a commitment to product quality, regulatory compliance and safe working practices.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing changing production priorities.
We recognise that talent comes in many forms, and we value potential just as much as experience. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
Our Offer
We provide a fast-paced, stimulating and truly global environment, which will stretch your abilities and channel your talents. We also offer competitive salary and benefits combined with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the global leaders in soft commodity trading.
Our Westway Values
Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork, Passion for Service, Business Insight
Our values define who we are at Westway Feed Products. They are the foundation of our culture and guide how we operate, collaborate, and serve our customers. These principles shape the way we make decisions, communicate with one another, and deliver results across our business. At Westway, we are committed to doing the right thing, taking ownership of our performance, working together to achieve shared success, delivering outstanding service, and building strong business understanding across our teams. These values are supported by essential behaviors that help guide not only what we achieve, but how we achieve it. By embracing these principles, we build a culture that prioritizes safety, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering value to our customers, partners, and communities.
Our Commitment
We share the commitment of our parent company, ED&F Man Commodities. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and are focussed on actively building and developing diverse teams. All qualified applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to race, colour, sex, gender, age, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, marital or civil partner status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment (identity, gender expression), genetic information or any characteristic protected by local law.
We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
To apply you must have the right to work for the provided location.
