Production Team Lead - Ice Cream Manufacturing

Job Location: Central Kitchen Oregon - Portland, OR 97214 Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: $21.76 - $26.59 Hourly Job Shift: Day Production Team Lead – Ice Cream Manufacturing Full-Time | Hourly (Non-Exempt) $21.76 – $23.22 Production Associate III is a lead-level position on the Spin team with expanded experience, skills, and responsibilities beyond those of Production Associate I and II team members. This role plays a key part in supporting production planning, maintaining product quality, leading team members on the floor, and ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate execution of daily production goals. Production Associate III team members also serve as a backup to the Supervisor and help coach, guide, and support team members throughout the production process. Responsibilities Lead, communicate, and support the Spin Team to meet daily production goals safely, cleanly, and efficiently. Provide hands‑on guidance to team members while modeling best practices for equipment operation, recipe execution, and work order accuracy. Review daily production schedules and work orders to support production planning, prioritization, and labor delegation. Monitor product quality from raw ingredients through finished goods and address issues promptly. Ensure compliance with GMPs, sanitation standards, and food safety practices across the Spin Team. Prepare production areas by confirming ingredients, equipment, and materials are clean, organized, and production-ready. Review pull logs and verify accuracy before production begins. Communicate with team members regarding lot codes, FIFO organization, expiration dates, and product labeling accuracy. Train and retrain team members on equipment operation, production methods, organization, and safety practices. Reinforce and communicate updated policies and procedures to ensure operational consistency. Promptly communicate personnel or production concerns to the Spin Supervisor. Support break and meal period compliance while serving as backup to the Supervisor as needed. Qualifications At least 1 year of experience working in commercial food preparation, manufacturing, production, or warehouse environments; 2 years preferred. Minimum 6 months of machine operating experience; 1 year preferred. Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality standards. Comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Excellent communication skills and ability to bring hospitality into daily interactions. Enjoy coaching, leading, and motivating team members. Comfortable working with people of all backgrounds and identities. Can uphold high standards of safety, sanitation, efficiency, and service quality. Proficient operating a wide range of commercial kitchen and production equipment. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Benefits Optional access to earned wages before payday for added financial flexibility. 401(k) with Company Match: Eligible after 3 months of service, with automatic enrollment and a 50% company match on deferrals, up to 1% of pay. Paid Time Off: Accrues starting at approximately 2 weeks per year, increasing with tenure. Sick Leave: Forty hours provided after 30 days of employment plus ongoing accrual based on hours worked. Paid Holidays: Twelve paid holidays annually. Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage: Available beginning the first of the month following your start date. Career Development & Tuition Assistance: Up to $1,800/year in education reimbursement for eligible programs. Team Member Discount: 30% discount on handmade ice cream and merchandise. Additional Voluntary Benefits: Accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, commuter benefits, and pet insurance. Wage Transparency The anticipated hiring range for this position is $21.76 – $23.22. The broader compensation range of $21.76 – $26.59 reflects future earning growth within the role over time. Important Notes Food Allergy Warning: This role involves working in an environment where common food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, seafood) are present. Equal Employment Opportunity: Salt & Straw is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and provides equal opportunity to all applicants, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or background. E‑Verify Participation: We participate in E‑Verify to confirm work authorization. #J-18808-Ljbffr Salt & Straw