Production Lead - 3rd Shift

Join the Team at Empire Candle Light the way forward with a career you’ll love. At Empire Candle, we believe great products start with great people. From our manufacturing floor in Kansas City to our creative, sourcing, and operations teams, we’re always looking for passionate, driven individuals to help us craft high-quality scented candles for brands across the country. Explore our current job openings and discover how you can grow with us. Location: Kansas City, KS Job Id: 682 # of Openings: 1 We are a candle company located in Kansas City, KS. Yes, our candles are made here LOCALLY! For 75 years, Empire Candle Co. has flown above the industry standard to deliver our high-quality Tuscany candle and fragrance innovations. As a full-service manufacturer of candles, wax melts, and home fragrance accessories, we always strive to improve our customers’ experience with our dynamic range of reliable products. Position Overview A Lead Production Associate provides support to the Production department and Production management team. The Lead Production Associate assists with coordinating the daily activities of the production team; ensuring efficient workflow, procedural adherence, quality standards, employee training and safety protocols are met. Additionally, the Lead Production Associate leads, trains, and mentors team members, troubleshoots production issues, and maintains accurate production records/metrics. Schedule: 11:00pm - 7:30am, Sunday PM - Friday AM Pay Rate: $22/hour (+1.50/hour shift differential) Essential Job Functions Train, mentor, and guide production associates to foster a positive and productive work environment. Assist with the coordination and oversight of the daily production operations, ensuring compliance with schedules, quality standards, production procedures and safety regulations. Monitor workflows and troubleshoot issues, to reduce downtime and boost efficiency. Ensuring quality control and safety procedures, maintaining adherence to OSHA standards, SOPs, and company policies. Collaborate with cross-functional departments to optimize production and resolve operational issues. Assist with equipment setup and operation, including labelers, mixers, pourers, conveyors, and auxiliary systems. Adjust machinery settings (e.g., photo eyes, fill levels, conveyor speed) to ensure product accuracy and consistency. Ensure proper labeling (photo, UPC) and machine adjustments across all lines. Verify product quality metrics, including fill weights and pour temperatures. Document production data accurately, including output, downtime, inventory, and work orders; ensure ERP reporting of raw and finished materials. Coordinate equipment maintenance and execute proper start up or shut down procedures at the start of shift, during breaks, and at the end of shift. Observe production lines and equipment to maintain safe and efficient performance. Perform all General Labor tasks (Levels 1–4) if required, to support production continuity. Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements – Education, Skills and Experiences 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment. High school diploma or GED required. Proven leadership and team communication skills; ability to motivate and guide team effectively. Skilled in troubleshooting production issues and implementing timely solutions. Working knowledge of production equipment, processes, and quality control standards. Experience operating a forklift is preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish or another common company language is a plus. Capable of managing workflows, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining accurate records. Strong understanding of safety regulations with a commitment to maintaining a safe workplace. Collaborative mindset with ability to work cross-functionally with other departments. Proficient in reading, writing, and basic math; strong attention to detail. Effective verbal and written communication in English. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately. Skilled in interpreting documentation such as SOPs, checklists, and work instructions. Basic computer proficiency; ability to read and interpret work orders. Availability to work flexible hours, including off-shifts or overtime as needed. Requirements – Physical & Environmental Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Low sensitivity to a highly fragranced work environment. Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs. frequently. May be required to lift up to 35 lbs. occasionally. Position will require you to bend, sit, stand, walk, kneel, squat, reach above shoulders, utilize fine finger movements, handle objects requiring manual dexterity. May be required to stand, sit, or walk for long periods of time. Position requires you to be around moving machinery. Position will include exposure to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity. What We Offer Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Basic & Voluntary Life insurance Savings Plan: 401k Plan with Strong Employer Match Work/Life Balance: PTO+ seven (7) Paid Holidays Education: Tuition Reimbursement Program Health & Fitness: FREE Planet Fitness Membership Good Smells: Largely discounted Candles + FREE candle giveaways Diversity & Inclusion: We are candlemakers, who come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and currently employee nine (9) various nationalities, from twenty-two (22) countries. Equal Opportunity Employer Empire Candle CO., LLC provides a competitive compensation and benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associate with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Company reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e., emergencies, changes in personnel, work load, rush jobs, or technological developments). #J-18808-Ljbffr Empire Candle Co., LLC