1st Shift Proc Tech-Room Lead-

THRUSHWOOD FARMS QUALITY MEATS INC; United States; On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Smokehouse Partners in Galesburg, IL seeks a Processing Team Lead to oversee grinding, mixing, and stuffing within the processing department, ensuring equipment safety and product quality per specifications and regulatory requirements.

The role supports the Superintendent with daily production planning and trains employees, partnering with Quality and Maintenance to maintain product integrity, efficiency, and compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–2 years of food manufacturing experience; grinding/mixing/stuffing experience preferred.
• Leadership or training experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GMPs, sanitation requirements, allergen control, and food safety standards.
• Mechanical aptitude to adjust, operate, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and report operational and quality-related data.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to achieve production objectives.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Superintendent with developing and executing daily production schedules as needed.
• Monitor grinding, mixing, and stuffing equipment for safe, consistent operation.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain product quality and meet specifications.
• Maintain traceability of materials and finished products with accurate documentation.
• Lead, mentor, and train production employees in relevant operations.
• Provide hands-on training on procedures, equipment operation, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Communicate specifications, expectations, and priorities to team members.
• Collaborate with Quality and Maintenance to ensure equipment functionality and sanitation.
• Collect and report production data, quality metrics, and KPIs.
• Ensure SOPs, GMPs, allergen control programs, and food safety compliance.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Support continuous improvement for productivity, quality, and safety.
• Perform related duties to support goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Mechanical aptitude

Data analysis

Food safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GMPs

Sanitation procedures

Allergen control

Equipment troubleshooting

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Galesburg IL Main Street - Galesburg, IL 61401Salary Range: $21.50 - $21.50 Hourly

Join the TEAM at Western Smokehouse Partners!

We’re more than just a leader in the better-for-you meat snack industry-we’re a team driven by quality, innovation and a passion for great meat sticks and jerky. With eight facilities across five states, we’re setting the standard in excellence for our co-manufacturing and private label customers. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of an industry-leading company that values contribution, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Position Summary

The Processing Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the grinding, mixing, and stuffing operations within the processing department. This leadership role ensures all equipment operates safely and efficiently while products are manufactured according to established specifications, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements. The Team Lead supports the Superintendent with daily production planning, provides training and guidance to production employees, and serves as a key liaison with Quality and Maintenance to maintain product integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance.

Essential Duties

• Assist the Superintendent with developing and executing daily production schedules as needed.
• Monitor grinding, mixing, and stuffing equipment to ensure safe, consistent, and efficient operation.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain product quality and adherence to batch, weight, length, and casing specifications.
• Verify and maintain traceability of raw materials and finished products through accurate documentation of buggy tags, truck tags, code dates, and production records.
• Lead, mentor, and train production employees in grinding, mixing, and stuffing operations.
• Ensure new employees receive proper hands-on training in procedures, equipment operation, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Communicate product specifications, production expectations, and operational priorities to team members.
• Partner with the Quality and Maintenance departments to maintain equipment functionality, sanitation standards, and product integrity.
• Collect, analyze, and report production data, quality metrics, scorecards, and operational KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), allergen control programs, food safety requirements, and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support continuous improvement efforts to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental goals and production efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 1–2 years of food manufacturing experience; experience in grinding, mixing, and/or stuffing operations preferred.
• Previous leadership, team lead, or employee training experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of GMPs, sanitation requirements, allergen control programs, and food safety standards.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to adjust, operate, and troubleshoot production equipment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to accurately collect, interpret, and report operational and quality-related data.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to achieve production objectives.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to stand for 8–10 hours per shift.
• Must lift 50+ pounds repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Repetitive motion and physical activity are required.
• Work is performed in a refrigerated/cold environment.
• PPE must be worn at all times in production areas.

Benefits Offered

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible schedule
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Compliance and Safety

This position must comply with all company policies, SOPs, GMPs, OSHA, USDA, and FDA regulations. The Processing Team Lead is responsible for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, ensuring adherence to food safety standards, and immediately reporting any concerns related to employee safety, equipment, product quality, or regulatory compliance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Western Smokehouse Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws.