Food Manufacturing Line Lead (Bakery)

Job Description

Job Description

Make Every Run Count

Do you love the rhythm of a well-run line? Join us in Manteno, IL as a full-time, contract-to-hire Food Manufacturing Line Lead (Bakery) and guide daily operations where safety, quality, and output meet. Openings are available on 1st and 2nd shift.

Why You’ll Succeed

• You coach teams in real time—assigning stations, rotating tasks, and setting a safe, efficient pace.
• You spot bottlenecks early and resolve operator-level equipment issues before they ripple.
• You care about the data: output, downtime, and material usage, all captured accurately with centerline documentation.
• You partner with QA to meet GMP, food-safety, and quality expectations—every batch, every time.

Your Core Responsibilities

• Lead daily bakery production on the floor.
• Train new hires on responsibilities, safety procedures, quality standards, and processes.
• Coordinate workstation assignments, rotations, and breaks.
• Oversee production flow and address bottlenecks or operator-level equipment issues.
• Conduct safety checks; report unsafe acts or conditions.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to meet established food-safety and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate production records (output, downtime, material usage, centerlines).
• Verify correct materials and recipes on the lines.
• Work with warehouse teams on material availability and inventory.
• Track production information; communicate KPIs to the team.
• Escalate machinery issues, shortages, safety concerns, and production challenges to supervisors/management.
• Provide ongoing coaching and direction to employees.
• Support continuous improvement tied to safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Must-Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2–3 years of experience in food manufacturing or similar manufacturing.
• Leadership, training, and coaching experience on a production floor.
• Mechanical aptitude for operator-level troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of GMP and food-safety; solid math skills.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, recipes, SOPs, and production requirements.
• Clear communication and teamwork; strong documentation skills.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift up to approximately 50 lbs. and stand or walk for extended periods, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Availability to work up to six days per week as needed.

Nice-to-Haves

• Hands-on food manufacturing experience.
• Experience with bakery equipment: baggers, mixers, packaging lines, or similar machinery.
• Bilingual abilities.
• Technical certification related to mechanical equipment.

Compensation, Shifts & Status

• Pay: $24.00–$28.00 per hour.
• 1st Shift: Approximately 5:00 AM–2:30 PM.
• 2nd Shift: Approximately 2:00 PM–10:30 PM.
• Assignment: Full-time, Contract-to-Hire.

Benefits Upon Eligible Client Hire

• Health, dental, and vision coverage effective from day one.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Growth and development opportunities.
• Additional benefits.

Professional Strengths That Set You Apart

• Leadership / People Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Instruction (MI)
• FDA Regulations
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Supervisory Experience
• Production Optimization
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience
• Operational Metrics & KPI Management
• ERP & MRP Systems
• Inventory Management & Control
• Workplace Safety & EHS Management
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Tools You’ll Use

• ERP Software

If you’re ready to lead from the front—balancing people, process, and performance—this is where your impact will be felt every shift.