Production Lead - 1st Shift

About the role

As the Production Lead, you will champion the iconic Russell Stover brand by having a direct role in the chocolate production process from beginning to end. You will ensure each piece of candy that comes out of our facility is "Only the Finest" quality that our customers have grown to expect. You will inspire, train, and support team members, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and excellence. You will guide your department to consistently meet production goals while adhering to our quality standards. Additionally, you will utilize our SAP management system to maintain accurate records, ensuring smooth operations throughout all stages of production.

Responsibilities

• Directing, monitoring, assisting, and training employees assigned to a specific area, line, or team per Supervisor’s instructions.
• Communicating with and delegating tasks to team members.
• Operating machinery, equipment, and tools in a safe and proficient manner according to standards, guidelines, and instructions.
• Maintaining records, delivering, inspecting, and performing all activities required of other members of the area, line, or team.
• Performing clean-up activities as assigned.
• Adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards.
• Completing and following FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant’s food safety and quality objectives.
• Promptly reporting and taking appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor.
• Actively contributing to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.

This job posting is not all inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to read and understand rules, tape measures, scales, and thermometers.
• Ability to read and understand product specifications established by Russell Stover Candies and recognize deviations from those specifications.
• Ability to routinely and frequently stand, stoop, bend, climb, and lift to meet cleaning requirements.
• Ability to perform basic math functions.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and objectives.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of increasing leadership experience in a food manufacturing setting.
• Working knowledge of SAP & Microsoft Office Products.

Work Environment

• Safety First: Protective gear provided; Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training on day one, with daily safety tips.
• Surroundings: Work alongside automated packing machines, forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and chocolate candy banks/steels.
• Active & Engaging Work: On your feet for extended periods, moving around, climbing ladders, or lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable Climate: Climate-controlled environment in most roles.
• Appealing Smells: Sweet aromas of chocolate throughout the facility.
• Dress Code: Follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for safety and hygiene.
• Allergens: Exposure to a variety of ingredients that may be considered food allergens.