Line Lead - Third Shift

Line Lead

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!

We seek those who want to learn and grow within our organization. Ditsch USA offers development options to add to your skill set and open new opportunities for you within our organization. At Ditsch USA you will find a welcoming, safe, and team-orientated environment.

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. They ensure the production floor produces a quality product in a safe and cost-effective manner, that meets the production schedule and cost specifications. The Line lead will create an environment where the employees feel valued, challenged and empowered by evaluating the performance and potential of each employee and provide appropriate coaching.

Responsibilities:

• Foster & maintain a clean and safe work environment, ensuring compliance to safety, health & environmental programs. Participate in GEMBA walks to engage the workforce in behavior-based safety.
• Leverage Job Safety Analysis (JSA) & 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 oversees operation of the production lines to ensure efficient production, as well as, sanitation, PM work and changeover against the schedule.
• Review the production schedule to anticipate and plan for efficient changeovers, ensuring minimal downtime and seamless transitions between production runs. Coordinate resources, materials and team members to align with schedule requirements, and verify that equipment and tools are properly prepared for the next task. Monitor progress to adjust plans as necessary and maintain overall production efficiency
• Accurately completes all production paperwork in conjunction with the other shift lead and works closely with the production schedule to attain daily targets
• Keeps the Supervisor abreast of any employee issues or concerns and makes recommendations for disciplinary actions. Will provide employee feedback related to performance and disciplinary action in the company of the Supervisor.
• Manage conflict between team members. Recognizes and resolves non-technical issues that are occurring within the team involving HR when necessary.
• Demonstrate knowledge of HR practices. Delivers feedback in a professional and positive manner. Able to adapt your leadership style to work situations. Provides 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 (i.e. required line output & efficiency, changeover times, waste, staffing), ensure they are clearly communicated and accessible, and hold individuals accountable for adhering to these standards and fulfilling their commitments. Follow the appropriate escalation process when necessary to address any issues or concerns
• Assesses or determines the training need for employee(s). Leads effort to plan and complete the training.
• Possess a general knowledge of all machine operations, including understanding proper machine settings and ensuring the correct lot numbers are accurately labeled on all products. Maintain familiarity with machine controls, adjustments, and settings to optimize performance and quality output. Regularly verify machine settings, product quality, lot codes, etc. to prevent errors and maintain consistency in production.
• Competency is required to operate the label machines efficiently and accurately, using product knowledge to ensure proper labeling throughout the production process. Understanding of specification sheets is required during a production run to verify all aspects are being met, ensuring product consistency and quality. Maintain familiarity with product specifications to address any potential issues proactively.
• Ensure cleaning and sanitation duties are being 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, to ensure minimal impact on production efficiency and maintain a smooth workflow.
• 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.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic math skills and ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Prior proficiency in equipment uses and operation.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Education and 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.
• 80/20 floor to office ratio.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment, preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment.
• May be required to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to work multiple places on the production line.
• Ability to "break out" other team members.
• Ability of adjusting or moving objects of varying weights up to 50 lbs. in all directions.
• Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Ability to withstand various climates through the facility i.e. freezer, dock, production (as low as -15 degrees up to 110 degrees)
• Ability to work in an environment with flashing lights, horns, and powered moving equipment operating in proximity.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking and/or remaining in a stationary position and often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to move self into different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and/or confined spaces.
• Must be physically able to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, ramps, poles and scaffolding.
• Excellent hand/eye coordination.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Adaptability to work in diverse environments and surfaces.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs and maintain a clean work environment.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
• Stand and move around the manufacturing floor for up to 8 hours.
• Capability to stand, walk, squat, and perform repetitive tasks.

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