Production Leader (Packaging Dept.) - 1st Shift (2773)

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin. As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

We foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation, creating an environment that values creativity and collaboration. Our dedication extends beyond business operations to actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships.

About the role

The Production Crew Lead is a working leader who provides daily direction, training, and support to employees in the assigned production area. Most of the Lead’s time is spent on the production floor, coordinating work assignments, reinforcing safety, quality, GMP, USDA, and SOP requirements, monitoring production flow, and escalating issues as needed.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate daily work assignments for employees assigned to the production area, consistent with supervisor direction, the production schedule, staffing needs, and operational priorities.
• Monitor the assigned area to ensure employees are working safely, following standard work, meeting quality expectations, and maintaining required production flow.
• Achieve production goals and promptly communicate production standards, downtime, staffing gaps, material needs, and work reassignments to the Production Supervisor.
• Using production tools like Red Zone, verify completion and accuracy of production records, downtime information, quality checks, inspections, and other required documentation.
• Audit work areas per SOP to ensure procedural compliance, product conformance to specifications, accurate documentation, and adherence to GMP, USDA, food safety, and company standards.
• Coordinate replenishment of materials, raw material verification, changeovers, line clearance, and downtime clean-up activities to support the operational schedule.
• Sustain 5S standards through good housekeeping, execution of standard work, and use of visual tools, display boards, and other communication tools.
• Provide direct day-to-day supervision, coaching, and guidance to employees to ensure work is performed safely, accurately, and efficiently while following all GMPs.
• Set clear expectations at the start of the shift and throughout the day regarding safety, quality, productivity, sanitation, housekeeping, attendance at workstations, and compliance with standard work.
• Provide on-the-job training for new, temporary, and existing associates on assigned tasks, including safety, quality, productivity, equipment expectations, documentation, and area-specific procedures.
• Monitor employee performance, address routine questions or coaching needs in the moment, and escalate repeated performance concerns or policy issues to the Production Supervisor.
• Reinforce company policies, GMPs, safety rules, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and other applicable OSHA or company safety requirements.
• Participate in start-up huddle meetings and assist in communicating priorities, production changes, safety reminders, quality expectations, and problem-resolution activities.
• Identify and help resolve routine production, quality, material, staffing, and workflow issues within the assigned area; escalate issues outside the Crew Lead’s authority or technical capability.
• Continually evaluate the work process for improvement opportunities and communicate practical recommendations to the Production Supervisor.
• Utilize LEAN thinking in formal and informal settings, including participating in LEAN events, submitting suggestions, attending LEAN training, and improving work cells or areas of responsibility.
• Assist with problem resolution activities, including basic troubleshooting, coordination with maintenance or quality as needed, and follow-up on corrective actions directed by the Production Supervisor.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Ability to legally work in the United States.
• High School Diploma/GED is preferred.
• Prior manufacturing experience required; two years’ experience in the department preferred for in-depth product knowledge.
• Prior lead, trainer, or demonstrated informal leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP and USDA regulations preferred.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and written procedures.
• Ability to provide clear direction, coaching, and follow-up to hourly employees in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate with people at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated team-building skills with the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Basic math skills and effective problem-solving abilities required.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and applicable OSHA standards.
• Basic computer skills needed, including MS Office and the ability to learn computer systems.
• Knowledge of rework and inventory control procedures.
• Flexibility and dependability necessary to meet operational demands of a 24-hour operation.
• Possess a sense of urgency and attention to accuracy and detail.
• Capable of managing a variety of tasks simultaneously with rapidly changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and effectively as part of a team while leading others in the assigned area.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in temperatures below 40 degrees.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to push and pull items in excess of 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Able to grip and grasp small objects repeatedly.
• Able to work in a cold, damp environment.
• Must be able to stand for 10 hours per day.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and squat as needed for housekeeping responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
• Must have good hand and eye coordination.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Pay

$20.00 - $24.00 hourly, depending on experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Training and Development opportunities.
• Vacation & PTO.
• Referral Bonus Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.