How to become a Supervisor
Official title: Supervisors, food and beverage processing
Also called: Brewer supervisor, Brewery supervisor, Abattoir supervisor, Bakery plant supervisor, Food testing supervisor, Meat packing supervisor, Fish freezing supervisor, Slaughterhouse supervisor, Supervisor - meat packing, Fish processing supervisor, Poultry graders supervisor, Vegetable canning supervisor
Supervisors in food and beverage processing supervise and coordinate the activities of workers who operate processing and packaging machines, and workers who grade food and beverage products. They are employed in fruit and vegetable processing plants, dairies, flour mills, bakeries, sugar refineries, fish plants, meat plants, breweries and other food and beverage processing establishments.
Main tasks
- Supervise, co-ordinate and schedule the activities of workers who process, package, test and grade food and beverage products
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other departments
- Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and product quality
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Train staff in job duties, safety procedures and company policy
- Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
- Prepare production and other reports
- Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) co-ordinators identify, evaluate, control and prevent hazards at all stages of the food production process
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Post-secondary education in microbiology or chemistry may be required for some positions in this group. Several years of experience in the food or beverage processing industry are required. Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) co-ordinators require HACCP certification and several years of experience in quality assurance of food production.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $53,625 a year The middle half earn $44,850 to $67,080.
- About 26,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 30,800 are projected by 2033. (+14.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Supervisors, mineral and metal processing
- Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
- Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing
- Supervisors, forest products processing
- Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Supervisor?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Post-secondary education in microbiology or chemistry may be required for some positions in this group. Several years of experience in the food or beverage processing industry are required. Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) co-ordinators require HACCP certification and several years of experience in quality assurance of food production.
How much does a Supervisor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $53,625 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $44,850 to $67,080.
Is a Supervisor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 15% by 2033, from about 26,800 to about 30,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Supervisor?
Not always. 25% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03