Production Lead - VA

Production Lead - VAWarabeya North America is a leading food manufacturer specializing in high-quality fresh and ready-to-eat food products. As part of the global Warabeya Nichiyo Group headquartered in Japan, we are dedicated with years of food innovation with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Our North American operations are growing, offering a collaborative, fast-paced environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and growth together with the company.The Production Prep Associate is responsible for preparing, measuring, weighing, cutting, sorting, and staging ingredients and materials used in the food production process. This position supports the production team by ensuring that ingredients are properly prepared and available according to production schedules, recipes, specifications, and food safety requirements. The Production Prep Associate is expected to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area while following all Company policies, food safety procedures, production standards, and workplace safety requirements.Key Responsibilities:Ensure products and materials are prepared and processed according to established procedures, production specifications, and daily production schedulesVerify that ingredients and materials are weighed, measured, and used according to production specificationsMonitor materials and products for quality and conformance to specificationsIdentify and report damaged, expired, contaminated, or otherwise unacceptable materials or products to the supervisorProperly label, date, and store prepared ingredients and materialsEnsure production processes follow established specifications and proceduresFollow production instructions and notify the supervisor of any discrepancies or shortagesEnsure production personnel have the materials and supplies needed to maintain workflowOperate designated production equipment safely and properly, as neededClean and sanitize production equipment, utensils, work surfaces, containers, and other assigned areasFollow established cleaning and sanitation schedules and proceduresProperly handle and store cleaning chemicals and sanitation suppliesFollow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, allergen control, and personal hygiene requirements applicable to the positionPrevent cross-contamination and allergen cross-contact by following established proceduresComplete required production, preparation, temperature, sanitation, and other records accuratelyMaintain an organized and efficient production area throughout the production processMinimize product and material waste and promote efficient use of resourcesReport equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, food safety concerns, or quality issues promptlyFollow all Company safety policies and procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)Work cooperatively with Production Associates, Kitchen Associates, Supervisors, and other team membersAdditional Responsibilities:Perform other duties as assigned.The Company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities of this role as needed to meet business requirements.Qualifications:Required:High school diploma or equivalentEnglish proficiency in both oral and writtenPrevious experience in food preparation, food production, commercial kitchen, restaurant, or manufacturing environment preferredAbility to follow written and verbal instructions accuratelyAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced production environmentAbility to use a scale and other basic preparation equipmentBasic math proficiencyWorks well with others and is helpful, respectful, and team-orientedAbility to maintain regular and reliable attendanceFlexibility to work weekends and holidaysAbility to follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety requirementsAbility to maintain professional and respectful work environmentAbility to work onsite (remote work is not an option)Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time the employment begins and must not require sponsorship for employment visa status. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization.Work Environment and Workplace:Work is primarily performed in an indoor environment, including kitchen, manufacturing, and warehouse settings.The role may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, regular exposure to conditions such as hot and cold temperatures, humidity, and confined spaces depending on job dutiesThe noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to highThe work environments may include exposure to food ingredients and cleaning agentsPhysical Requirement:To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, the employee must be able to:Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move for extended periodsPerform repetitive hand and arm movements to operate food processing, packaging, or sanitation equipmentSafely handle raw materials, ingredients, finished products, and packaging materials in a production settingLift, transport, maneuver materials or equipment weighing up to approximately 50 poundsBend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach frequently to access materials, equipment, and work areasMaintain visual acuity to read labels, monitors, safety indicators, and production instructionsSafely operate motorized vehicles or equipment within the facility as neededCommunicate effectively using speech, written language, hearing, and visual observation in person, by phone, and via virtual platformsTravel Requirements: No travel is required for this positionBenefits:401(k), 401(k) matchingDental/Medical, Vision insurance - 100% paid employee's premiumLife InsurancePaid Time Off