Area Leader, 24/7 Food Production & Ops Lead

The J.M. Smucker Company; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company in Columbus, GA is seeking an Area Leader (Assistant Production Manager) to guide a 24/7 food manufacturing operation on the PM shift.

You will lead hourly Technicians, Team Leaders, and Supervisors, drive safety, quality, reliability, and cost, and coach teams to strengthen capability across shifts. You will execute Leader Standard Work, participate in DDS meetings, and ensure clear transition of priorities between leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in engineering, operations, business or related field.
• 2 years of manufacturing operations experience.
• 2 years of supervisory or people leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily management activities, Leader Standard Work, and prioritize actions.
• Provide leadership across operating teams including vacations and vacancies.
• Demonstrate flexibility across shifts, days, and hours including nights and weekends.
• Champion the daily plan and participate in DDS meetings and handoffs.
• Be accountable for safety, quality, reliability, and cost in operations.
• Document Leader Standard Work and follow up on corrective actions.
• Role model Basic Beliefs and Emotional Intelligence to build resonance.
• Partner with teams to address safety and quality concerns promptly.
• Drive root-cause analyses and support zero-loss culture.
• Collaborate with Department Manager on staffing, training, and capability-building.
• Ensure clear communication during transitions between leaders and shifts.
• Develop Supervisors, Team Leaders, and Technicians through OpEx tools.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Team leadership

Coaching & development

Project planning

High-performance

Food manufacturing experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The J.M. Smucker Company in Columbus, GA is seeking an Area Leader (Assistant Production Manager) to guide a 24/7 food manufacturing operation on the PM shift.

You will lead hourly Technicians, Team Leaders, and Supervisors, drive safety, quality, reliability, and cost, and coach teams to strengthen capability across shifts. You will execute Leader Standard Work, participate in DDS meetings, and ensure clear transition of priorities between leaders.