Production Lead

Shift: 2nd (2:00 pm - 10:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, required overtime on Saturdays per production demands)

About the role

This is a hands-on position that requires the individual to perform a variety of roles across all aspects of the packaging area. The individual will be accountable for achieving operational goals while maintaining quality and safety standards. This role contributes to a consistent, safe, and productive work environment through participation in corporate programs and adherence to operational and personnel policies. The Production Lead works closely with production, quality, and maintenance teams to maintain optimal quality, safety, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

Packaging

• Ensure operation of equipment by calling for repairs and communicating with the maintenance team.
• Communicate maintenance and/or sanitation issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Challenge the Metal Detectors hourly, at startup/end of run, as needed. Shut down the line and contact the Supervisor, QA, and Maintenance of any deviations or issues.
• Provide and verify that new employees have been satisfactorily trained; provide additional training when necessary; determine employee's suitability for the position; report to Production Management.
• Conduct and document hourly operational audits using Tervene software to monitor safety, quality, and production performance, identify deviations, and ensure timely corrective actions are taken.
• Start the equipment: Bag and Box Printers, Metal Detectors, Counter/Stackers, Sealers, Box Formers, Box Tapers, Electric Conveyors, Turn Tables.
• Monitor for problem areas, such as personnel problems, sealing problems, printing problems, box former/taper problems.
• Ensure the quality is acceptable to the customer's standards (e.g., toast points) at startup and throughout the shift.
• Verify serial numbers and quantities for finished goods; report any quantity changes to the Quality Assurance team.
• Ensure the bag and box printers are printing correctly on each line at startup and throughout the shift.
• Ensure the Utilities are correctly completing the weight, size, and pre-operation sheets throughout the shift.
• Communicate with all other leads to enhance start-up and changeovers while reducing downtime.
• Ensure the product is being bagged and boxed correctly at startup and throughout the shift.
• Accurately use ERP System (PLEX) for production monitoring and updates.
• Ensure that the bags/boxes and trays are correct for the product running on each line.
• Verify that each line has the proper paperwork according to the production schedule.
• Verify that the seals are good at startup and continually throughout the shift.
• Ensure that the counter/stackers are set for the correct number of tortillas.
• Ensure the pallet labels are correct at startup and throughout the day.
• Ensure all employees are present at work according to the schedule.
• Ensure that the accuview machines are set on the correct programs.
• Ensure the pallets are correct for the product running on each line.
• Monitor that the entire packaging area is maintained clean.
• Conduct daily crew meetings.

Mixing

• Provide technical assistance, knowledge, and expertise to mixer/operators: formulas, product quality, dough characteristics, operating parameters, etc.
• Troubleshoot and solve production problems; ensure consistency in operating parameters; work to reduce variation in production measures.
• Provide technical input and advice/recommendations to operations management on matters of equipment operation and operator performance.
• Recognize out-of-spec product and act by coaching/advising Mixers/Operators to resolve problems to minimize waste and downtime.
• Reduce product waste and downtime; improve yields and reduce cost through assisting Mixer/Operators in executing their tasks.
• Train new and current Mixers/Operators on proper machine settings, product formulations, evaluating product attributes, etc.
• Track items and serial numbers in ERP System (Plex) to ensure proper ingredients and quantities.
• Ensure raw materials are available for production. Track quantities used and lot numbers.
• Assume Production Supervisor responsibilities when the Production Supervisor is absent.
• Ensure Operators are following safety standards while working, including regrinding.
• Communicate production needs and/or changes to Leads in the Packaging area.
• Ensure the quality is acceptable to customer specifications.
• Assist with the regrinding process.

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively participate in Food Safety and Food Defense related activities.
• Maintain compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain an environment for continuous improvement.
• Monitor quality standards; follow GMPs.
• Perform additional duties as directed.

Requirements

• Must be able to identify product quality and specification requirements and ensure products meet established specifications.
• Must be able to effectively train new employees on job duties, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Must be able to accurately measure ingredients and follow established formulas and procedures.
• Must be able to monitor product quality and ensure established quality standards are met.
• Must be able to safely operate and monitor food production and packaging equipment.
• Must be able to safely operate industrial production equipment and machinery.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Must be able to troubleshoot basic machine and equipment problems.
• Must have strong attention to detail and focus on product quality.
• Must demonstrate effective leadership and communication skills.
• Must be able to provide work directions to assigned employees.
• Must have previous experience in a leadership or lead role.

Leadership Qualifications

• Must be able to provide work direction, clear communication, and coaching to Operators, Utility, and Packagers.
• Must be able to train employees on proper procedures and equipment operation.
• Must be able to follow direction and adapt to changing production needs.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to push and lift up to 50 pounds to a height of approximately 4 feet.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the assigned shift.
• Must be able to push and pull a bowl containing 500+ pounds of dough.
• Must be comfortable performing repetitive movements and tasks.
• Must be comfortable working in a loud and fast-paced environment.
• Must be comfortable working in a hot environment.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, to effectively communicate work instructions, safety procedures, and quality requirements.
• 3+ years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques.
• Previous experience in a leadership role.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Close attention to detail.
• Ability to take directions.
• Flexibility.
• Focus on quality.

Pay

$22–$32 hourly wage