Line Leader

About the role

At Danone, manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. The Line Leader is responsible for the line results & capability development of the line team, leading the Line Trio and Line Team to deliver safety, quality, cost and production objectives. This position is based in Mt. Crawford, Virginia.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides leadership to the Line Team (frontline workers) and Line Trio (Line Leader, Process Engineer, and Maintenance Leader) through clear priorities and direction
• Develops Annual and 90‑Day action plans for the line(s)
• Ensures line staffing is adequate and available
• Drives accountability within the team and self to implement and follow Danone Integrated Work Systems (IWS) principles
• Provides training on key Daily Management Systems (DMS) to technicians, including evaluation and qualification
• Supports supply chain loss analysis/elimination
• Drives cultural change by leading the organization engagement surveys results
• Implements and follows all safety procedures as stated in safety standards and the code of ethics
• Ensures all safety rules, plant rules, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and code of ethics are followed by employees, supervisors, customers, and visitors at all times
• Trains, coaches, and gives timely performance appraisals to employees
• Backs up or represents the Business Unit Manager as required
• Collaborates with Process Engineer and Maintenance Leader to develop and maintain standards
• Uses data to identify process losses
• Works with line management to prioritize improvement opportunities
• Eliminates or reduces prioritized losses through process or work system changes
• Leads the Daily Direction Setting (DDS) process
• Owns critical daily management systems
• Standardizes equipment and work processes; updates process control strategies and operating procedures as changes occur
• Shares and reapplies learning across processes, modules, and plants
• Prepares and delivers training on process/equipment changes
• Develops self through participation in corporate and external training
• Spends 60‑80 % of time on the floor
• Demonstrates technical expertise for a designated process
• Coaches and collaborates with line teams, site and regional equipment or process owners
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment for all employees and visitors
• Delivers on SQCDMN daily/weekly/monthly/yearly goals and objectives through individual and team efforts
• Ensures adherence to safety standards and regulations (WISE) to maintain a safe working environment
• Trains, develops and coaches all front‑line workers on the production line
• Supervises union and non‑union employees in the production area and composite closures, ensuring product quality, food safety, safety compliance, awareness, and teamwork
• Provides leadership in hiring and disciplinary recommendations
• Monitors and reviews employee performance and timekeeping
• Initiates corrective disciplinary actions as necessary, in accordance with company and CBA policies
• Performs other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders; balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

The work is performed throughout the facility and may involve proximity to moving machinery, chemical exposure, noise, and heavy lifting. Personal protective equipment includes safety glasses, hearing protection, and slip‑resistant steel‑toed shoes. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Schedule

Ability to adjust schedule to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, which may include overtime, graveyard shift, and/or weekends as needed.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $90,000‑$116,000 per year. The exact salary offered will depend on experience, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone U.S. also offers a performance‑based bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Coverage
• 401(k) Plan
• Wellness Program
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Bonding Leave
• Additional benefit plan options

Qualifications

• 4‑year engineering degree or equivalent preferred
• High School/GED required
• 3+ years manufacturing experience with demonstrated technical aptitude and leadership preferred
• Fundamental skills in influencing and persuasion
• Strong interpersonal skills for developing trusting relationships
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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