Lead Hand - Production

Focus Community Development Corporation; Stayner; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking a Lead Hand for the Afternoon Shift in Stayner, Ontario. The role involves overseeing production activities, directing staff, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Applicants should have a high school diploma and at least 3 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension plan and a positive work environment.

Benefits

Full benefits package

Company pension plan with 5% match

Qualifications

• 2 years of related experience or equivalent education.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities and direct staff.
• Communicate production targets and updates.
• Maintain compliance with GMP and HACCP standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Full job description

Reinhart Foods Ltd. is a family business, with over 100 years of experience in delivering quality products (GFSI FSSC 22000 certified) and superior service to North American markets. Reinhart is Canada's leading producer of vinegars, maraschino cherries, glace fruit, and a respected name in the baking ingredient and hard cider industries. Reinhart produces private label for Canada's leading retailers as well as marketing and producing its own brands Allen's, Reinhart's, Daltons (1834), and Jaffa. Reinhart is also an industrial ingredient leader to North America's leading multi-national manufacturers.

Lead Hand - Afternoon Shift

The Lead Hand plays an essential leadership role within the Production and Packaging departments. Working in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, the Lead Hand oversees daily production activities, directs staff, supports the Production Supervisor and Production Manager, and ensures targets for safety, quality, and efficiency are consistently met. This role requires strong communication skills, technical understanding of production processes, and the ability to train and guide employees while ensuring compliance with GMP, HACCP, hygiene practices, and company policies.

What This Job Offers

• Monday–Thursday PM Shift (4:00 PM – 2:50 AM)
• Friday, Saturday & Sunday off
• Full benefits package
• Company pension plan with 5% match

Key Responsibilities

Production Leadership & Coordination

• Facilitate and oversee daily production requirements to meet schedule and efficiency targets.
• Coordinate staff across departments and allocate manpower effectively, communicating promptly when additional support is required.
• Support team members and backup lead hands to meet production goals.
• Ensure equipment is operating correctly and take appropriate steps to resolve or elevate issues.
• Perform general labour tasks on the production line when required to support operations.
• Model and enforce department standards, productivity expectations, and safety practices.

Communication & Reporting

• Communicate production targets, progress, and downtime contributors throughout the shift.
• Provide updates to the Production Manager and other relevant departments (Maintenance, QA, Order Fulfillment, VP).
• Conduct pre-shift meetings to outline expectations and address issues affecting production.
• Summarize nightly production results and ensure timely communication of all issues requiring management attention.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with GMP, HACCP, food safety regulations, hygiene requirements, and company policies.
• Conduct regular line audits to ensure products meet controlled specifications and employees adhere to proper procedures.
• Report any incidents impacting product quality, food safety, or operational integrity.
• Verify completion and accuracy of all production records, logs, and regulatory documentation.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness standards across all work areas.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Encourage and facilitate positive change by involving employees in improvement efforts.
• Troubleshoot production challenges, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop strong operational knowledge of production lines to support technical decision-making.

Training, Coaching & Employee Development

• Train new employees on job-specific tasks, food safety standards, and required competencies.
• Conduct ongoing documentation and job performance audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support employee development by maintaining strong knowledge of all production processes and documentation requirements.
• Lead by example to promote a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma plus 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, SOPs, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and teamwork abilities.
• Experience leading teams or projects strongly preferred.
• Manufacturing experience and exposure to continuous improvement practices.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for the recruitment process will be contacted.

Reinhart Foods welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.