Area Leader

The J.M. Smucker Co.; McCalla (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Co. in McCalla, AL is hiring an Area Leader to guide a high-performing team at our Uncrustables Manufacturing Plant. This on-site role focuses on safety, production goals, and operational excellence while shaping the team and culture.

You will coach employees, drive continuous improvement, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality products and efficient performance at the new facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2+ years of manufacturing operations experience.
• 2+ years of leadership, supervisory, or people management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage and develop teams in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to safely deliver quality products while meeting production goals.
• Champion a world-class safety culture through visible leadership and accountability.
• Drive operational excellence by eliminating losses, improving processes, and delivering results.
• Maintain a strong presence on the plant floor, coaching and developing team members.
• Set clear expectations, provide timely feedback, and manage performance.
• Build an engaged, high-performing team through recognition and positive leadership.
• Lead daily shift meetings, establish priorities, and make real-time adjustments to achieve targets.
• Develop team members for current success and future growth opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing ops

Lean manufacturing

Safety culture

Coaching

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

B.S. preferred

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Area Leader

Ready to make an impact at one of JM Smucker's newest manufacturing facilities? As an Area Leader, you'll lead a high-performing team, drive operational excellence, and help bring America's favorite crustless sandwich to families across the country. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity with strong career growth potential in a fast-paced, expanding operation.

Your Opportunity as the Area Leader

Ready to make an impact at one of JM Smucker's newest manufacturing facilities? As an Area Leader, you'll lead a high-performing team, drive operational excellence, and help bring America's favorite crustless sandwich to families across the country. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity with strong career growth potential in a fast-paced, expanding operation.

At our new McCalla facility, you'll help shape culture, build teams, and drive performance while growing your leadership career with one of the most recognized brands in food manufacturing. Bring your passion, leadership, and ideas, and help us build the future of Uncrustables®!

Location: McCalla, AL | Uncrustables® Manufacturing Plant

Work Arrangements: 100% On-site

• Willingness to work extended hours and flow to the work as business needs require

In This Role You Will

• Lead a team to safely deliver quality products while meeting production goals.
• Champion a world-class safety culture through visible leadership and accountability.
• Drive operational excellence by eliminating losses, improving processes, and delivering results.
• Maintain a strong presence on the plant floor, coaching and developing team members.
• Set clear expectations, provide timely feedback, and manage performance.
• Build an engaged, high-performing team through recognition and positive leadership.
• Lead daily shift meetings, establish priorities, and make real-time adjustments to achieve targets.
• Make sound business decisions that support safety, quality, service and cost objectives.
• Develop team members for current success and future growth opportunities.
• Oversee training and qualification programs to build capability and consistency.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Technical Services and Quality teams.
• Support plant startup activities, including commissioning, qualification and verification (CQV).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, reliability and efficiency.

Minimum Requirements

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree required; Bachelor of Science preferred.
• 2+ years of manufacturing operations experience required; food manufacturing preferred.
• 2+ years of leadership, supervisory, or people management experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage and develop teams in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills And Experience That Will Help You Succeed

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement and problem-solving tools.
• Ability to make decisions quickly and act with urgency.
• Proven track record of delivering results through others.
• Passion for coaching, mentoring and developing talent.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Flexibility to support off-shift, weekend or extended-hour business needs.

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional and financial needs.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn®

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.