Production Team Lead

About Us

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago. We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. Our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, Peperami®, and KOOEE!®—reflects our commitment to real protein snacks with nothing artificial: humble, gritty, passionate people who move faster, innovate harder, and keep raising the bar.

About the Role

Leads a team of Production Workers within Formulation, Stuffing, Smokehouse, or Packaging. Ensures product is produced, received, or shipped accurately and efficiently while keeping the crew on task to meet production demands and comply with USDA and company policies.

Schedule

Friday, Saturday & Sunday; 5am - 5pm

Responsibilities

• Perform all job responsibilities for the assigned area and lead daily operations by directing and providing feedback to Team Members.
• Complete, validate, and monitor daily production paperwork, process monitors, and run logs (paper or electronic).
• Ensure adherence to quality protocols, SOPs, and Gold Standard specifications; communicate with FSQ as needed.
• Follow the production schedule, meet goals, and work with the Supervisor to plan and allocate resources to maximize efficiency.
• Minimize rework and waste; monitor workflow and adjust personnel accordingly.
• Keep the Supervisor updated on progress and issues throughout the shift.
• Perform inventories, complete reports, and ensure proper labeling, identification, and FEFO rotation of products.
• Address customer, carrier, or employee issues, and recognize tasks needing attention even if not assigned.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area; report incidents and deficiencies immediately.
• Ensure safety devices are used correctly and monitor the work environment for food safety risks.
• Enforce all company safety policies with Team Members.
• Communicate daily with Supervisor regarding issues and improvements; maintain effective communication across all departments.
• Suggest ways to improve quality and efficiency.
• Follow GMPs, HACCP, SOPs, and SSOPs; ensure Team Members do the same.
• Assist in training new hires and coaching Team Members on performance and behavior.
• Provide performance feedback to the Supervisor for evaluations.
• Oversee Team Member efficiency and relay key information to the Supervisor.
• Ensure Team Members are properly attired and ready to work at start times and after breaks.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in the food industry.
• 6 months of relevant lead or manufacturing experience.

Pay

The starting rate for this role is $21.81 - $29.99 (Hourly). Actual salaries will vary based on external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401k participation.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.

Physical Demands

• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots).
• Stand for extended periods of time.
• Use hands/arms to push, pull, reach, and occasionally lift above head.
• Occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds; infrequently up to 50 pounds.
• Visually inspect equipment and/or product.

Work Environment

• Plant/office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors.
• Travel may be required.