Production Lead - VA

Job Title: Production Lead Reports to: Prep Lead/Production Supervisor Location: Stafford, VA Job Type: Full-time/Non-Exempt Business Hours: Vary by role Pay Range: $17.00 - $19.00/hr depending on the role About the Company Warabeya North America is a leading food manufacturer specializing in high-quality fresh and ready-to-eat food products. As part of the global Warabeya Nichiyo Group headquartered in Japan, we are dedicated with years of food innovation with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Our North American operations are growing, offering a collaborative, fast-paced environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and growth together with the company. Position Summary The Production Prep Associate is responsible for preparing, measuring, weighing, cutting, sorting, and staging ingredients and materials used in the food production process. This position supports the production team by ensuring that ingredients are properly prepared and available according to production schedules, recipes, specifications, and food safety requirements. The Production Prep Associate is expected to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area while following all Company policies, food safety procedures, production standards, and workplace safety requirements. Key Responsibilities Ensure products and materials are prepared and processed according to established procedures, production specifications, and daily production schedules Verify that ingredients and materials are weighed, measured, and used according to production specifications Monitor materials and products for quality and conformance to specifications Identify and report damaged, expired, contaminated, or otherwise unacceptable materials or products to the supervisor Properly label, date, and store prepared ingredients and materials Ensure production processes follow established specifications and procedures Follow production instructions and notify the supervisor of any discrepancies or shortages Ensure production personnel have the materials and supplies needed to maintain workflow Operate designated production equipment safely and properly, as needed Clean and sanitize production equipment, utensils, work surfaces, containers, and other assigned areas Follow established cleaning and sanitation schedules and procedures Properly handle and store cleaning chemicals and sanitation supplies Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, allergen control, and personal hygiene requirements applicable to the position Prevent cross-contamination and allergen cross-contact by following established procedures Complete required production, preparation, temperature, sanitation, and other records accurately Maintain an organized and efficient production area throughout the production process Minimize product and material waste and promote efficient use of resources Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, food safety concerns, or quality issues promptly Follow all Company safety policies and procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Work cooperatively with Production Associates, Kitchen Associates, Supervisors, and other team members Additional Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned. The Company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities of this role as needed to meet business requirements. Qualifications Required High school diploma or equivalent English proficiency in both oral and written Previous experience in food preparation, food production, commercial kitchen, restaurant, or manufacturing environment preferred Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment Ability to use a scale and other basic preparation equipment Basic math proficiency Works well with others and is helpful, respectful, and team-oriented Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance Flexibility to work weekends and holidays Ability to follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements Ability to maintain professional and respectful work environment Ability to work onsite (remote work is not an option) Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time the employment begins and must not require sponsorship for employment visa status. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Work Environment and Workplace Work is primarily performed in an indoor environment, including kitchen, manufacturing, and warehouse settings. The role may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, regular exposure to conditions such as hot and cold temperatures, humidity, and confined spaces depending on job duties The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to high The work environments may include exposure to food ingredients and cleaning agents Physical Requirement To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, the employee must be able to: Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move for extended periods Perform repetitive hand and arm movements to operate food processing, packaging, or sanitation equipment Safely handle raw materials, ingredients, finished products, and packaging materials in a production setting Lift, transport, maneuver materials or equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach frequently to access materials, equipment, and work areas Maintain visual acuity to read labels, monitors, safety indicators, and production instructions Safely operate motorized vehicles or equipment within the facility as needed Communicate effectively using speech, written language, hearing, and visual observation in person, by phone, and via virtual platforms Travel Requirements No travel is required for this position Benefits 401(k),401(k) matching Dental/Medical, Visioninsurance- 100% paidemployee's premium Life Insurance Paid Time Off #J-18808-Ljbffr Warabeya North America Inc.