Food Manufacturing Operations Lead

KFFoods Production & Distribution; Ashwaubenon (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Job summary

Kitchen Fresh in Wisconsin is seeking an experienced Food Manufacturing Operations Lead to guide a production crew through a full shift, plan the day, keep lines moving, and finish strong with high-quality, safe products.

You will lead Assistant Supervisors, optimize staffing and changeovers, monitor yield, prevent downtime, and partner with Quality, Maintenance, and Logistics to meet throughput, safety, and shipping commitments, while coaching teams toward continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Hands-on leadership in manufacturing.
• Experience in food production preferred.
• Strong communication and problem solving.
• Ability to coach teams and improve processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead production teams and assistants to hit throughput, quality, and safety goals.
• Cut waste and downtime by troubleshooting issues and optimizing changeovers.
• Champion GMP and food safety across lines and runs.
• Own staffing plans, schedules, attendance, and on‑floor tasks.
• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Logistics to meet commitments.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiency.
• Maintain a safe, orderly, high‑performing work environment.

Skills

People leadership

Scheduling

Lean manufacturing

GMP compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor's preferred

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Step into the role that keeps meals on tablesAt Kitchen Fresh, every case we ship reflects our promise: safe, consistent, high-quality food made by people who care. As our Food Manufacturing Operations Lead, you’ll guide a production crew through the rhythm of a full shift—kicking off the day with a plan, keeping lines moving, and finishing strong with product our customers can trust.A day in your shoesYou arrive early, walk the floor, and connect with Assistant Supervisors to align staffing and priorities. You verify GMP readiness, confirm materials are staged, and coach team members on targets. As the shift progresses, you remove bottlenecks, track yield, squash downtime, and partner with Quality and Maintenance to protect food safety and throughput. You’ll close the day by capturing wins, addressing gaps, and setting your team up for tomorrow.How you’ll make an impactLead, develop, and motivate production teams and Assistant Supervisors to hit throughput, quality, and safety goals.Cut waste and downtime by troubleshooting issues and optimizing changeovers and workflows.Champion food safety, quality standards, and GMPs—every line, every run.Own staffing plans, schedules, attendance tracking, and on-floor task coordination.Build a culture of accountability, clear communication, and teamwork.Partner across Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Logistics to meet production and shipping commitments.Collaborate with leadership on process improvements and operational efficiency.Maintain a safe, orderly, high-performing work environment.What you bringHands-on leadership background in manufacturing, ideally in food production.Clear communicator and strong problem solver under fast-paced conditions.Proven experience with scheduling, staffing, and growing teams.Dedication to safety, product quality, and continuous improvement.High School Diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.Core strengthsPeople Leadership and Team ManagementContinuous Improvement / Lean mindsetFood and Beverage Manufacturing know‑howProduction Optimization and throughput managementGood Manufacturing Practices (GMP)Excellent written and verbal communicationTools you’ll touchERP SoftwareBenefits highlight401(k)Join Kitchen Fresh and turn great leadership into great food for families everywhere.