Lead Production Operator

Lead Production Operator

Manufacturing Plants Cincinnati, OH August 25, 2026 $27.40 per hour

When what you crave is a job that combines creative, challenging and ever-changing work with an experienced, inclusive team committed to create memorable moments every day, only White Castle hits the spot!

We're America's first fast-food hamburger chain with more than a century of service to a nation of cravers. But we're not satisfied with an impressive past. We've got our eye on an even tastier future, and we want you to be part of it! White Castle is always looking for passionate, energetic, results driven people to join our teams, so apply to start your White Castle career today!

The Production Lead Operator assists the Operations Supervisor and Plant Manager in plant operations to produce quality baked White Castle buns. The Production Lead Operator shall be responsible for operations of the production department and safety of the production team members in the absence of a Supervisor. The Production Lead Operator will at times work in the positions as operators for breaks, lunches, or shortage of team members when the need arises. Production Lead Operators are expected to uphold and demonstrate the Company's Core Values. This position description does not contain a comprehensive list of required duties and responsibilities. The Production Lead Operator is expected to perform related duties assigned by management, which may be added, revised, or eliminated based on business and operational needs, with or without advance notice. Production Lead Operators must follow the direction and guidance of the Assistant Operations Supervisor and the Plant Manager.

What We Are Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED required;
• Previous training and experience in the baking industry obtained through education or experience is preferred;
• Must know how each piece of equipment operates;
• Good interpersonal and human relations skills with ability to maintain a positive professional demeanor accepting responsibility and willingness to learn;
• Knowledge, training, and experience with production, sanitation, quality, and safety;
• Good verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively give clear instructions to direct and motivate team members;
• Must have good employee relation skills, be team oriented, work well with others, and be able to give and receive direction and to follow clear and detailed instructions;
• Acquire knowledge through training and coach and train others on equipment procedures and workplace health & safety procedures;
• Efficiently work and respond in a fast-paced environment to meet operational demands;
• Ability to diagnose production problems and work schedules;
• Good understanding of HACCP, SSOP, GMPs, and knowledge of FDA regulations;
• Proficient computer experience with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and warehouse management software (ERP/WMS);
• Ability to successfully complete on-the-job training and/or AIB courses.

What You Will Do

• Operate mixer to produce consistent dough for development of the White Castle bun;
• Operate extruder to produce consistent dough pieces for development of the White Castle buns;
• Make quality control inspections of the entire production process;
• Direct production work and direct production operators in a fair, positive, and constructive manner;
• Check and set equipment such as the proof box and oven and make dough adjustments when necessary;
• Train employees to operate machines;
• Final checker to ensure that there is no excessive flour in pans and that dough balls are properly panned;
• Operate packaging machines including stacker, baggers, and box machine to bag and box all good quality baked product for palletizing and shipment;
• Operate palletizer and fork truck to store packaged product for selection and shipment by the shipping department;
• Carton stripping to sort through bad corrugated cartons for re-use in the box machine;
• Ability to function efficiently in any of the production line positions which is acquired through observation and hands on experience;
• Must be able to operate a forklift;
• Utilize ERP system to track finished good;
• Perform housekeeping duties as needed;
• Attend various training classes or seminars as recommended by management;
• Comply with incident reporting policies and procedures;
• Ensure adherence to plant's security and safety policies and procedures, and a safe working environment for all Team Members;
• Communicate effectively with customers and all levels of the organization in a professional manner, display a positive demeanor and be responsive to team members' needs; and
• Must be flexible to work hours to meet the needs of the plant including any shift, overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Factors:

• Ability to bend, turn, twist, climb, stoop, and stand;
• Frequent lifting up to 50 lbs. assisted;
• Capability to work in an environment with frequent exposure to flour dust, extreme cold, wet, hot, or dusty and other elements;
• Wearing of safety gear including safety glasses, and other various types of safety gear supplied by the company;
• Frequent periods of standing and walking; and
• Ability to hear, comprehend, and professionally respond to co-worker inquiries, comments, and concerns.

Pay Rate: $27.40 hourly

Can you say #dreamjob!?! If you are awesome and want to work for a company that will think so too, apply online!

Benefits while working at White Castle:

• Sick pay
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dental & Vision
• Life & AD&D
• Paid Holiday
• Paid Breaks
• Incentive programs/bonus
• Shift premium
• Paid vacation
• Medical, dental & life insurance
• Weekly paychecks
• 401K & profit sharing plans
• Promote from within practice
• And more!!

If you meet the minimum qualifications above, APPLY NOW!

White Castle is an Equal Opportunity Employer