Line Leader

East Room Foreperson – Packaging Line Leader

This role leads day-to-day operations of assigned packaging lines and work centers, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. You will coordinate people and equipment, oversee machine setup and changeovers, troubleshoot issues, and serve as the primary leadership resource on the production floor. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, proven supervisory skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the daily operations of assigned packaging lines and work centers to ensure safe and efficient production.
• Assign, direct, and monitor production personnel so that safety, quality, and production goals are consistently achieved.
• Oversee and perform equipment setup, operation, adjustments, and changeovers to maximize line efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Lead bottle size changes, line changeovers, startup activities, and line preparation before each production run.
• Troubleshoot production and equipment issues in real time to reduce downtime and maintain production schedules.
• Investigate equipment downtime and production problems, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Monitor packaging line quality standards, product integrity, and packaging specifications, and recommend process improvements to increase throughput.
• Promote and support waste reduction, increased efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives across packaging operations.
• Assist with preventive maintenance activities and support maintenance personnel during equipment repairs and adjustments.
• Train, mentor, and develop line operators and packaging personnel on equipment operation, safety procedures, quality standards, and standard work practices.
• Ensure employees follow OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, food safety requirements, and cGMP standards.
• Maintain clear communication between departments, shifts, supervisors, and operations personnel to support smooth handoffs and consistent performance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for operators and serve as an on-floor leadership resource for technical and operational questions.
• Complete and maintain accurate production documentation, operational checks, quality records, and performance reports.
• Prioritize multiple tasks and coordinate the work of others to align with production plans and changing operational needs.

Essential Skills:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to qualify as a Room Foreperson within 90 days.
• Ability to pass required Work Keys testing standards.
• If not already qualified as a Line Operator, ability to pass the company Line Operator written exam within 30 days.
• Proven supervisory and leadership skills in a production or packaging environment.
• Strong coaching and employee development capabilities.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and understanding of production equipment systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills for equipment and process issues.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and effectively coordinate the work of others.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams and documenting activities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced setting.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations relevant to production and quality checks.
• Solid understanding of machine setup, machine adjustments, and operational controls.
• Experience working with packaging lines, including setup, operation, and changeover coordination.
• Ability to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, food safety standards, and cGMP requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience leading or supervising packaging lines or similar production operations.
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting machines and coordinating changeovers.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement practices and methodologies.
• Knowledge of SQF, GMP, and other food safety or quality frameworks.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to assist maintenance personnel during repairs and adjustments.
• Experience training and mentoring operators on equipment operation, safety, and quality procedures.
• Comfort working with documentation, production records, operational checks, and quality records.
• Ability to work a Monday–Thursday schedule from 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a stable, direct placement opportunity with strong union support and benefits. You receive structured, on-site training tailored to your responsibilities, including how to use tooling and operate or set up equipment and machinery. Employees enjoy unique perks, such as monthly access to a dedicated spice room where they can fill a grocery bag with spices for a low flat fee. The company rewards tenure and performance, providing an automatic 10% pay increase after one year of service. The culture emphasizes safety, skill development, and long-term career growth in a supportive manufacturing environment.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a manufacturing plant environment with frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles from spices, and motorized vehicles such as forklifts or other material-handling equipment. There is a strong spice aroma throughout and around the facility, which employees typically acclimate to after about a week. The role involves working on and around packaging lines and production equipment, following strict safety, food safety, and cGMP standards. The shift schedule is Monday through Thursday, 3:15 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., supporting extended production hours in a structured, process-driven environment.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Permanent position based out of Ankeny, IA.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $63752.00 - $63752.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Please see Trevor Johnson for full list of benefits.

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Ankeny, IA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.