Area Production Leader — Drive Safety, Quality & Growth

The J.M. Smucker Company; Virginia; On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Area Leader at The J. M. Smucker Co.

will oversee a team of hourly Technicians and Team Leaders, ensuring safety, quality, and operational excellence while coaching for skill development. This on-site role is based at the Emporia, KS plant and requires day shift and flexibility for off-shift needs. You will drive daily plans, participate in DDS, and manage performance across safety, quality, reliability, and cost metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 2 years of manufacturing ops.
• 2 years supervisory experience required.
• Engineering degree preferred but not required.
• Experience coaching and leading others.
• Strong project planning and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily plan and drive open items to resolution.
• Participate in DDS meetings and manage daily operations.
• Ensure safety, quality, reliability, cost, and capability metrics.
• Model company beliefs and emotional intelligence.
• Address safety concerns with operating teams.
• Drive root cause analysis and zero-loss culture.
• Coach Team Leaders and Technicians for peak performance.
• Develop and execute Department Master Plan.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Coaching

Project planning

Leadership in manufacturing

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Area Leader at The J. M. Smucker Co.

will oversee a team of hourly Technicians and Team Leaders, ensuring safety, quality, and operational excellence while coaching for skill development. This on-site role is based at the Emporia, KS plant and requires day shift and flexibility for off-shift needs. You will drive daily plans, participate in DDS, and manage performance across safety, quality, reliability, and cost metrics.