Line Lead - 2nd Shift

Line Lead - Food Industry Compensation: Starting at $21-23/hour. Shift: 2nd Shift, 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Potential for additional hours including weekends. Department: Production Reports to: Shift Supervisor Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. About the Company: Ditsch USA creates memorable pretzel experiences! We bake artisan pretzels available for both food service and retail markets. As a leading producer of pretzels, we are committed to freshness and providing clean‑label products. The quality of our irresistible products comes from more than 100 years of experience and craftsmanship in the art of pretzel making. Job Summary: As a Line Lead, you’ll be responsible for increasing the ratio of value to non‑value and eliminating waste of the overall supply chain from start to finish. You will ensure the production floor produces a quality product in a safe and cost‑effective manner, meets the production schedule and cost specifications, and creates an environment where employees feel valued, challenged and empowered. You will evaluate the performance and potential of each employee and provide appropriate coaching. Responsibilities Foster & maintain a clean and safe work environment, ensuring compliance with safety, health & environmental programs. Participate in GEMBA walks to engage the workforce in behavior‑based safety. Leverage Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Risk Assessment to mitigate and prevent injuries or incidents – regularly review and update safety procedures based on findings. Collaborate with team members to promote a proactive safety culture and enhance overall workplace safety. Effectively conduct root‑cause analyses and implement countermeasures for all incidents to prevent recurrence. Complete thorough and timely investigation reports, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to company protocols and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with relevant teams to address findings and drive continuous improvement in safety & operational processes. Adhere to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food handling requirements, ensuring compliance at all times. Monitor and enforce these standards among employees, providing training and guidance as needed. Ensure job positions are adequately staffed at shift change and oversee operation of the production lines to ensure efficient production, sanitation, PM work and change‑over against the schedule. Review the production schedule to anticipate and plan for efficient changeovers, ensuring minimal downtime and seamless transitions between production runs. Accurately complete all production paperwork in conjunction with the other shift lead and work closely with the production schedule to attain daily targets. Keep the Supervisor abreast of any employee issues or concerns and make recommendations for disciplinary actions. Provide employee feedback related to performance and disciplinary action to the Supervisor. Manage conflict between team members. Recognize and resolve non‑technical issues that are occurring within the team involving HR when necessary. Demonstrate knowledge of HR practices. Deliver feedback in a professional and positive manner. Adapt leadership style to work situations. Provide insight pertaining to employee evaluations. Assist supervisors in revising standard operating procedures, including suggesting changes, writing procedures, revising manuals and communicating updates with employees. Evaluate performance standards (e.g., required line output & efficiency, change‑over times, waste, staffing), ensure they are clearly communicated and accessible, and hold individuals accountable for adhering to these standards and fulfilling their commitments. Assess or determine the training need for employee(s). Lead effort to plan and complete the training. Possess general knowledge of all machine operations, including proper machine settings and ensuring correct lot numbers are accurately labeled on all products. Maintain familiarity with machine controls, adjustments, settings to optimize performance and quality output. Be competent to operate the label machines efficiently and accurately, using product knowledge to ensure proper labeling throughout the production process. Ensure cleaning and sanitation duties are completed as required, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards. Follow all cleaning protocols and safety guidelines to uphold quality standards and prevent cross‑contamination. Provide operational support when required to relieve operators. Manage shift changes, ensuring that the outgoing shift departs on time and coordinating breaks for all team members. Facilitate smooth transitions between shifts to minimize disruptions and maintain efficient production operations. Communicate any line breaks or gaps in the production process to the supervisor promptly. Provide detailed updates on the impact of these disruptions, along with recommendations for resolution. Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor. Required Skills & Abilities Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common industry, production, and technical documents in English. Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills. Ability to work independently with meticulous attention to detail. Proficient understanding of production procedures and equipment. Commitment to maintaining high safety standards. Strong leadership and communication skills within a team environment. Proven experience in a fast‑paced environment with a focus on quality and safety. Basic math skills and ability to work weekends and holidays as needed. Prior proficiency in equipment use and operation. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Education & Experience High School diploma or equivalent. Two years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably a food environment. Prior leadership experience preferred. Prior experience with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools and methodology is a plus. Knowledge of health and safety regulations. Familiarity with PLC‑controlled equipment preferred. Physical Requirements Normal manufacturing environment conditions. May be required to work overtime as needed. Ability to work in multiple areas on the production line. Ability to lift, move, or manipulate objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Ability to communicate with others to exchange information. Repetitive motions involving wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Ability to hear and recognize sounds. Ability to work in climates ranging from –15° to 110° and with flashing lights, horns, and powered equipment in proximity. Ability to stand, walk, squat, and perform repetitive tasks for up to 8 hours. Excellent hand/eye coordination and ability to see details at close range. Adaptability to work in diverse environments and surfaces. Compliance with GMPs and maintaining a clean work environment. Wear Personal Protective Equipment as needed. If you're seeking a role where your continuous improvement mindset, mechanical aptitude and leadership skills shine, apply today and become an integral part of our innovative team. What We Offer You Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance Automatic, FREE $25,000 life insurance policy Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options Additional voluntary life, AD&D, Critical Illness, and Short‑Term Disability 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays Ongoing training and development Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The physical requirements are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. For more information, visit Ditsch USA , is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ditsch USA