13PRODLD - Production Lead

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. in Joplin, MO is hiring a Production Lead to operate all daily production machinery and packaging lines, including forklifts and conveyors. You will oversee the packout area, ensure materials and codes are correct, and maintain safety and quality standards on the shop floor.

This role requires hands-on leadership, the ability to perform changeovers, coordinate with maintenance, and uphold GMP/SOP policies while keeping the HACCP program in good standing.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate production machinery and equipment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Reliable, self-driven with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to HACCP and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervises employees in the packout area.
• Follow GMP, SOP and safety procedures.
• Check product specs and coding for accuracy.
• Maintain product quality within specifications.
• Perform machine change-overs as required.
• Replenish packaging supplies.
• Adjust machines and troubleshoot issues.
• Keep work area clean per HACCP.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation between products.
• Assist with equipment lockout/tagout procedures.

Skills

Fast-paced environment

Effective communication

Reliable

Self-driven

Minimal supervision

Supervisory skills

Job description

13PRODLD - Production Lead

US-MO-Joplin

Joplin Plant

Job ID: 2026-10098

Type: Regular Full-Time

# of Openings: 1

Overview

Operate all production machinery/equipment for daily production. Machine/equipment includes forklifts, palletizer, and conveyors, labeling equipment, metal detectors, tap machines, code daters, bagger and case/box erectors.

Responsibilities

• Supervises employees in the packout area
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, GMP's code of safe practices, and SOP's
• Check product specification to ensure correct packaging materials and raw materials are being used and coding is correct
• Continually check products to ensure that they are within specifications and of high quality
• Perform machine change-overs as required
• Replenish packaging supplies such as film, boxes, cartons, glue, ink or labels
• Make adjustments to machine as necessary and observe to detect any malfunctions
• Clear away and damaged product containers
• Keep work area clean following HACCP program
• Perform cleaning and sanitation on machines as required between products
• Perform trouble shooting, minor repairs and communicate with mechanics regarding any mechanical problems
• Have constant awareness of production flow; upstream and downstream
• Take packaging supplies from warehouse to production by using electric palletjakcs
• Install 45 to 100 pound rolls of film or boxes onto packaging machine (anything over 50 pounds use the buddy system). These rolls or bundles have to be carried 10 to 12 feet and lifted to heights of 24 to 36 inches. This is done 3-4 times a shift
• Operator has to climb stairs to top of platform to adjust equipment
• Stack 24 to 30 cases of product onto skids to heights up to 6ft
• Follows established equipment Lockout/Tagout procedures as required

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and written
• Reliable
• Self-driven
• Minimal Supervision

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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