Production Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Floor Lead 

Location:  Manteno, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Pay Rate: $24.00 – $28.00/hour
Work Schedule: 1st & 2nd Shifts Available

Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), & ESOP

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Production Lead to support daily production operations, lead team members, and ensure safety, quality, and productivity standards are consistently met. This role assigns workstations, coordinates breaks, trains and coaches employees, monitors production processes, and serves as a key liaison between production employees and management.

Must-Have Skills:

• 2–3 years of production experience in food manufacturing or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical equipment and troubleshooting.
• Ability to lead, train, and effectively communicate with production teams.
• Strong understanding of GMPs, food safety, and workplace safety requirements.
• Good mathematical skills and ability to accurately read and follow instructions.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Job Duties:

• Assign and rotate employees across production workstations to maintain efficient workflow.
• Monitor production areas, equipment, and lines to identify bottlenecks and address operator-level issues.
• Ensure employees follow OSHA, GMP, food safety, quality, and company safety requirements.
• Conduct safety checks, identify hazards, and assist with Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) documentation.
• Partner with QA to ensure products meet food safety and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate production records, including output, downtime, material usage, and centerline documentation.
• Coordinate employee breaks and adjust assignments based on production needs.
• Train new employees and provide ongoing coaching to improve performance.
• Verify production lines have the correct materials and are following accurate recipes.
• Coordinate with warehouse personnel to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Track production data and communicate KPIs to the team.
• Communicate machinery issues, material shortages, safety concerns, and employee issues to supervisors and management.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, safety, and quality.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification in mechanical equipment is a plus.
• 2–3 years of production experience in food manufacturing or a similar environment.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical equipment and performing routine maintenance.
• Previous leadership, training, or team lead experience preferred.
• Completion of GMP and company food safety training.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Comfortable working around loud machinery, equipment alarms, and variable temperatures.
• Must be able to properly use required PPE, including safety footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.