Production Lead

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®.  ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

OVERVIEW

The Operations Lead supports the Shift Supervisor in bulk packet and stick production by ensuring accurate machine setup, proper material staging, and completion of all required production startup activities. This role provides real-time floor leadership, team coordination, KPI execution, and direct supervisory support to help ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production across all packaging lines.

This position requires flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime, based on business needs. The Operations Lead must also be able to support day or night operations and step into production support roles on the floor as needed.

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the full production floor across all packaging lines and coordinate shift flow in alignment with production priorities and supervisor direction.
• Serve as the primary operational lead for production execution, safety and quality compliance, and Redzone KPI system utilization during the shift.
• Monitor real-time production performance across all lines and drive achievement of output, OEE, downtime reduction, and overall shift targets.
• Coordinate startup and shutdown activities to ensure operational readiness, proper material staging, accurate machine setup, and completion of all required production setup tasks.
• Assist supervisors with labor allocation, staffing coverage, break and lunch rotations, and workload distribution to maintain production flow.
• Train, qualify, and coach new and existing employees on performance expectations, process adherence, safety behaviors, and standard work practices.
• Serve as the floor Redzone lead by conducting shift huddles, ensuring accurate production reporting, downtime tracking, quality checks, and safety documentation, and reinforcing operator accountability.
• Promote food safety, authenticity, legality, GMP, CCP, sanitation, and quality standards while reinforcing a culture of prevention, compliance, and accountability.
• Provide frontline troubleshooting support by identifying equipment issues, performing adjustments and calibrations, resolving operational stoppages, and coordinating escalations with Maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Operate production equipment as needed and provide hands-on line coverage when staffing gaps arise.
• Serve as the communication link between the production floor and supervision by relaying directives, escalating issues, and providing timely updates on production performance, personnel concerns, and line status.
• Ensure completion and accuracy of shift production reports, monitor documentation compliance, support shift handoffs, and participate in continuous improvement activities to reduce waste and improve performance.
• Lead by example as an extension of the Supervisor and the Company by promoting teamwork, accountability, strong work ethic, and a positive, high-performance work environment.

WORK EXPERIENCES

• 3-5 years of experience in production line operations and/or maintenance operations required.
• Experience supporting multiple packaging lines preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and respond to operational challenges in a positive and professional manner.
• Working knowledge of Redzone KPI systems, PLC-based production reporting systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Forklift certification required.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in operational and mechanical systems.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Ability to maintain approximately 90% floor presence while providing operational leadership across the production area.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to coordinate workload, staffing, and shifting production priorities.
• Ability to support schedule adherence, reduce downtime and operational waste, and ensure accuracy of production data and documentation.
• Demonstrated commitment to food safety, quality, legality, GMP, CCP, and sanitation standards.
• Flexibility to work shift-based schedules supporting day or night operations, weekends, holidays, overtime, and additional duties as assigned.
• Ability to serve as the designated lead while providing direct operational support to the Shift Supervisor.

LOCATION OF ROLE

• Buffalo, NY
• Hourly Salary Range: $28.00 - $40.32

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.