Crew Lead

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet. With headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey, Balchem operates sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers primarily in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, the company is publicly traded (NASDAQ – “BCPC”) with annual revenues over $640 million and a market cap exceeding $3.0 billion, employing over 1,400 people worldwide.

About the Role

Provide supervision in the production areas, ensuring adherence to safety procedures and maintaining high standards in product quality, plant sanitation, and cleanliness. This is a rotating 12-hour shift position (6 AM – 6 PM) located in Faribault, MN.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for dryer safety and performance; monitors dryer condition and determines when cleaning is necessary for safety reasons.
• Examines items produced to ensure they meet specifications.
• Assists in maintaining production records in each work area.
• Interprets company policies to workers and enforces safety regulations.
• Supervises production in mixing, drying, and packaging areas to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Assists in supervision of shipping, receiving, and dry blending production for safety and quality.
• Assigns and monitors production tasks of crew members to meet or exceed production rate and online test standards.
• Records production activities and results on the online computer system for every shop floor.
• Assists in maintaining employee time records (e.g., call-in reports, short-notice time-off requests).
• Instructs employee owners in safety programs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and HAACP Program to ensure compliance and food safety.
• Reports maintenance issues promptly and ensures follow-through to keep equipment in top working order.
• Works with Quality Assurance and production crew to ensure product quality and adherence to online test procedures and SOPs.
• Monitors, audits, and maintains plant sanitation; assists in maintaining the Master Sanitation Schedule and ensuring SSOPs are followed.
• Ensures cleaning procedures are followed and keeps crew members updated on chemical safety, PPE, and other safety programs.
• Collaborates with crew members on product development and operational improvements to meet customer expectations.
• Investigates policy violations and carries out disciplinary action according to company policies.
• Establishes or adjusts work procedures to meet production schedules.
• Recommends measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and product quality.
• Suggests changes in working conditions and equipment use to increase efficiency.
• Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists workers in solving them.
• Initiates or suggests plans to motivate workers to achieve goals.
• Coordinates activities with other supervisors to align departmental efforts.
• Sets up machines and equipment; performs production line activities.
• Assists with maintenance duties on production lines.
• Directly supervises four crew members, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning work, appraising performance, and addressing complaints.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school education; 6 months of industrial experience required.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Responds promptly to customer needs; focuses on conflict resolution without blame.
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and seeks clarification.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; builds positive team spirit and morale.
• Writes clearly and informatively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance.
• Delegates effectively; matches responsibility to the person and monitors progress.
• Inspires and motivates others to perform well; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Understands business implications of decisions; works with integrity and ethically.
• Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time.
• Adapts to changes in the work environment; handles frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of status or position.
• Meets productivity standards; completes work in a timely manner.
• Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals; writes routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
• Basic math skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, percentages, and interpreting bar graphs.
• Applies common sense to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form; deals with problems involving several concrete variables.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.

Working Conditions

• Frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.
• Occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat (non-weather); and vibration.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 60 pounds.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, talk, or hear.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance.

Pay

Pay rate starts at $25.00/hour plus shift differential (based on experience).

Schedule

Rotating 12-hour shift: 6 AM – 6 PM.