Area Leader

The J.M. Smucker Company; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Co. in McCalla, AL is seeking an Area Leader to guide a high‑performing manufacturing team and drive safety, quality, and production targets on a 100% on‑site shift.

You will coach frontline staff, implement Lean improvements, and coordinate with Engineering, Technical Services, and Quality to startup and scale operations. Two+ years in food manufacturing leadership is required, with a BS preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; B.S. preferred.
• 2+ years of food manufacturing operations experience.
• 2+ years of leadership or people management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to safely deliver quality products and meet production goals.
• Champion a world-class safety culture through visible leadership and accountability.
• Drive operational excellence by eliminating losses and improving processes.
• Coach and develop team members and set clear expectations.
• Coordinate with Operations, Engineering, Technical Services, and Quality teams.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Problem-solving

Communication

MS Office

Organizational skills

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree

B.S. preferred

Tools

None

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. 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.

What we’re looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Bachelor of Science preferred.
• 2+ years of food 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.

We’re a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love—while supporting the communities in which we work and live. We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success.

Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose At Smucker, we’re passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong. With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Learn more about working at Smucker Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company. Learn more about our hiring process

The J.M. Smucker Co. (the “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.