Area Leader: Drive Safety & Production Excellence

The J.M. Smucker Co.; McCalla (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Co. in McCalla, AL is seeking an Area Leader to supervise a high-performing team on-site at the Uncrustables manufacturing plant.

You will drive operational excellence, safety, and quality while achieving production goals and embracing continuous improvement. This hands-on leadership role offers strong career growth within a fast-paced, expanding operation. You will coach and develop talent, lead daily shift activities, and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Technical

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Communication

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree

BS preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The J.M. Smucker Co. in McCalla, AL is seeking an Area Leader to supervise a high-performing team on-site at the Uncrustables manufacturing plant.

You will drive operational excellence, safety, and quality while achieving production goals and embracing continuous improvement. This hands-on leadership role offers strong career growth within a fast-paced, expanding operation. You will coach and develop talent, lead daily shift activities, and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Technical