Production Lead - 1st Shift

Position Title: Production Leader (Packaging Dept.) - 1st Shift (2773)


Location: SH - CBC - South Holland, IL 60473


Salary: $20.00 - $24.00 Hourly

Position type: Full Time


Job Shift: 1st

Overview

Description

About Us:
Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.
As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.
At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.
Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.
Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.
Position Summary:
The Production Crew Lead is a working leader who provides daily direction, training, and support to employees in the assigned production area. Most of the Leads time is spent on the production floor. The Crew Lead coordinates work assignments, reinforces safety, quality, GMP, USDA, and SOP requirements, monitors production flow, and escalates issues as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
Work Flow and Area Leadership

• Direct and coordinate daily work assignments for employees assigned to the production area, consistent with supervisor direction, the production schedule, staffing needs, and operational priorities.
• Monitor the assigned area to ensure that employees are working safely, following standard work, meeting quality expectations, and maintaining required production flow.
• Achieve production goals and promptly communicate production standards, downtime, staffing gaps, material needs, and work reassignments to the Production Supervisor.
• Using production tools like Red Zone, verify completion and accuracy of production records, downtime information, quality checks, inspections, and other required documentation.
• Audit work areas per SOP to ensure procedural compliance, product conformance to specifications, accurate documentation, and adherence to GMP, USDA, food safety, and company standards.
• Coordinate replenishment of materials, raw material verification, changeovers, line clearance, and downtime clean-up activities to support the operational schedule.
• Sustain 5S standards through good housekeeping, execution of standard work, and use of visual tools, display boards, and other communication tools as appropriate.

Employee Leadership, Coaching, and Training

• Provide direct day-to-day supervision, coaching, and guidance to employees assigned to the Crew Leads area to help ensure work is performed safely, accurately, and efficiently while following all GMPs.
• Set clear expectations at the start of the shift and throughout the day regarding safety, quality, productivity, sanitation, housekeeping, attendance at workstations, and compliance with standard work.
• Provide new, temporary, and existing associates with on-the-job training for assigned tasks, including safety, quality, productivity, equipment expectations, documentation, and area-specific procedures.
• Monitor employee performance in the area and address routine questions, issues, or coaching needs in the moment; escalate repeated performance concerns, policy concerns, or conduct issues to the Production Supervisor.
• Reinforce company policies, GMPs, safety rules, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and other applicable OSHA or company safety requirements.
• Participate in start-up huddle meetings and assist in communicating priorities, production changes, safety reminders, quality expectations, and problem-resolution activities.

Operational Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement

• Identify and help resolve routine production, quality, material, staffing, and workflow issues within the assigned area; escalate issues outside the Crew Leads authority or technical capability.
• Continually evaluate the work process for improvement opportunities and communicate practical recommendations to the Production Supervisor.
• Utilize LEAN thinking in formal and informal settings, including participating in LEAN events, submitting suggestions, attending LEAN training, and improving work cells or areas of responsibility.
• Assist with problem resolution activities, including basic troubleshooting, coordination with maintenance or quality as needed, and follow-up on corrective actions directed by the Production Supervisor.
  
  

Authority and Escalation

• The Crew Lead may direct and assign work, provide on-the-job coaching and training, hold employees accountable to standard work, and recommend corrective action or process improvements to the Production Supervisor.
• The Crew Lead does not independently issue formal discipline, approve or deny time off, make hiring, termination, compensation, or policy decisions, or make changes outside established procedures without supervisor approval.
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices, comply with all company policies and procedures, and perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education & Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Ability to legally work in the United States.
• High School Diploma/GED is preferred
• Prior manufacturing experience required, with two (2) years experience in the department preferred for in-depth product knowledge.
• Prior lead, trainer, or demonstrated informal leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP and USDA regulations preferred.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and written procedures.
• Ability to provide clear direction, coaching, and follow-up to hourly employees in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate with people at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated team-building skills with the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Basic math skills and effective problem-solving abilities required.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and applicable OSHA standards.
• Basic computer skills needed, including MS Office and the ability to learn computer systems.
• Knowledge of rework and inventory control procedures.
• Flexibility and dependability necessary to meet operational demands of a 24-hour operation.
• Possess a sense of urgency and attention to accuracy and detail.
• Capable of managing a variety of tasks simultaneously with rapidly changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and effectively as part of a team while leading others in the assigned area.
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work in temperatures below 40 degrees.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to push and pull items in excess of 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Able to grip and grasp small objects repeatedly.
• Able to work in a cold, damp environment.
• Must be able to stand for 10 hours per day.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and squat as needed for housekeeping responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
• Must have good hand and eye coordination.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Pay range for this position is $20.00 to $24.00 an hour depending on experience.
Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Training and Development, Vacation & PTO, Referral Bonus Program, and Tuition Reimbursement.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement
Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Compensation details: 20-24 Hourly Wage

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