Production Lead

Richelieu Foods - Wheeling, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Wheeling, IL

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Production Lead is a hands-on role that is critical in leading the Production Team to contribute to the highest levels of Safety, Quality and Performance standards within the manufacturing environment. The Production Lead is cross trained in multiple tasks to increase contributions to the organization, enhance production flexibility and readiness, while also providing job enrichment and growth opportunities to incumbents. Production Lead assists and supports the Production Supervisor to ensure timely and accurate production in accordance with processes, procedures, and related controls to ensure timely and accurate production in accordance with customer specifications and company standards. This role supports the supervisor by coaching production associates, serving as an expert for production processes and procedures as well as a trainer for new employees and refresher training.

Responsibilities

• Commitment to follow all safety procedures, GMP's, performs risk assessments prior to commencing an unfamiliar task, seeks to identify and implement proactive safety improvements, and use PPE when required.
• Use, inspection, and care of vehicles, equipment, and tools to include test equipment, lab equipment, industrial trucks, and production equipment.
• Demonstrate proper Safety Techniques to members and train members on all proper Safety Protocol.
• Ensure all members complete their required Safety trainings on time and in full.
• Enter incidents and near misses into Richelieu Foods Safety database.
• Investigate, with help from Leadership, any Safety incident and/or Near Misses.
• Perform LOTO (employee level) on related production equipment.
• Complete and follow internal Out of Specification procedures and policies.
• Identify and find solutions to Quality and mechanical problems.
• Train new members in the importance of safety, quality and production.
• Verify all lot and item numbers on materials being brought to line.
• Read and track production schedules; provide recommendations for changes.
• Complete line production and quality paperwork.
• Identify over usage of materials and assist in reduction of waste ingredient materials.
• Demonstrate basic set up and operational knowledge of all line-related equipment.
• Ensure line run rules (including staffing to line maps), line equipment settings and run rates are being followed.
• Assist Maintenance in the diagnosis and repair of production equipment.
• Promote safe work behaviors in other employees and act as safety team leader.
• Provide assistance and direction to line employees to maximize labor utilization.
• Report any violations of company policy to management personnel.
• Assist the Supervisor with staffing and training needs of crew members.
• Support Supervisor with execution of their job duties.
• Complete EOS reporting per all guidelines established.
• Communicate with Supervisor and other Line Leads during shift operations and shift changeovers.
• Notify Supervisor of all down times.
• Follow and enforce all Food Safety PPE/GMP requirements and report any concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements

• High school diploma; 2-year technical degree in a related field a plus.
• Minimum of 2 years of Manufacturing experience required.
• Advanced computer competency required including typing, web browser, and Microsoft Office; Advanced competency in utilizing Tablets and iPads.
• Advanced critical thinking and troubleshooting skills used to lead shift to complete Manufacturing tasks safely.
• Experience in leadership role highly desired; demonstration of excellent interpersonal skills including communication, conflict resolution, and development of people.
• Ability to read, write and speak English in order to communicate effectively with team members within and external departments.
• A positive, proactive demeanor resulting in superior teamwork and collaboration with team members while demonstrating a commitment to excellence.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written required.
• Strong organizational skills required.
• Ability to lead fairly, firmly and consistently.
• Ability to interact and to manage conflict in stressful situations while maintaining composure and perspective.
• The ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and to coach production employees to do the same.
• Strong initiative and the ability to work with others to achieve desired results.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work cooperatively and maintain a professional working relationship with employees.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a leadership role.
• Demonstration of excellent interpersonal skills including communication, conflict resolution, and development of people.
• Willingness to seek training and/or continuing education toward development of leadership abilities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability
• 401K with company match
• Vacation