Line Lead, 1st Shift - Grow & Lead in Food

Ditsch USA LLC; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Automatic life insurance policy

401k Retirement Plan with Match

Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Ditsch USA creates memorable pretzel experiences on a production line in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a Line Lead, you will drive value, supervise staff, and ensure safe, efficient, and quality-focused production to meet schedules and cost targets.

You will coach team members, enforce GMPs, manage shift changes, and coordinate with supervision to continuously improve safety and output. Prior experience in manufacturing and leadership is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two years' experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably a food environment.
• Prior leadership experience preferred.
• Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools and methodology is a plus.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• 80/20 floor to office ratio.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Foster & maintain a clean and safe work environment, ensuring compliance to safety, health & environmental programs. Participate in GEMBA walks to engage the workforce in behavior-based safety.
• Leverage Job Safety Analysis (JSA) & Risk Assessment to mitigate and prevent injuries or incidents - regularly review and update safety procedures based on findings. Collaborate with team members to promote a proactive safety culture and enhance overall workplace safety.
• Effectively conduct root cause analyses and implement countermeasures for all incidents to prevent recurrence. Complete thorough and timely investigation reports, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to company protocols and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with relevant teams to address findings and drive continuous improvement in safety & operational processes
• Adhere to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food handling requirements, ensuring compliance at all times. Monitor and enforce these standards among employees, providing training and guidance as needed.
• Ensure job positions are adequately staffed at shift change and oversees operation of the production lines to ensure efficient production, as well as, sanitation, PM work and changeover against the schedule.
• Review the production schedule to anticipate and plan for efficient changeovers, ensuring minimal downtime and seamless transitions between production runs. Coordinate resources, materials and team members to align with schedule requirements, and verify that equipment and tools are properly prepared for the next task. Monitor progress to adjust plans as necessary and maintain overall production efficiency
• Accurately completes all production paperwork in conjunction with the other shift lead and works closely with the production schedule to attain daily targets
• Keeps the Supervisor abreast of any employee issues or concerns and makes recommendations for disciplinary actions. Will provide employee feedback related to performance and disciplinary action in the company of the Supervisor.
• Manage conflict between team members. Recognizes and resolves non-technical issues that are occurring within the team involving HR when necessary.
• Demonstrate knowledge of HR practices. Delivers feedback in a professional and positive manner. Able to adapt your leadership style to work situations. Provides insight pertaining to employee evaluations.
• Assist supervisors in revising standard operating procedures, including suggesting changes, writing procedures, revising manuals and communicating updates with employees.
• Evaluate performance standards (i.e. required line output & efficiency, changeover times, waste, staffing), ensure they are clearly communicated and accessible, and hold individuals accountable for adhering to these standards and fulfilling their commitments. Follow the appropriate escalation process when necessary to address any issues or concerns
• Assesses or determines the training need for employee(s). Leads effort to plan and complete the training.
• Possess a general knowledge of all machine operations, including understanding proper machine settings and ensuring the correct lot numbers are accurately labeled on all products. Maintain familiarity with machine controls, adjustments, and settings to optimize performance and quality output. Regularly verify machine settings, product quality, lot codes, etc. to prevent errors and maintain consistency in production.
• Competency is required to operate the label machines efficiently and accurately, using product knowledge to ensure proper labeling throughout the production process. Understanding of specification sheets is required during a production run to verify all aspects are being met, ensuring product consistency and quality. Maintain familiarity with product specifications to address any potential issues proactively.
• Ensure cleaning and sanitation duties are being completed as required, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards. Follow all cleaning protocols and safety guidelines to uphold quality standards and prevent cross-contamination.
• Provide operational support when required to relieve operators. Manage Shift changes, ensuring that the outgoing shift departs on time and coordinating breaks for all team members. Facilitate smooth transitions between shifts to minimize disruptions and maintain efficient production operations.
• Communicate any line breaks or gaps in the production process to the supervisor promptly. Provide detailed updates on the impact of these disruptions, along with recommendations for resolution, to ensure minimal impact on production efficiency and maintain a smooth workflow.
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

English proficiency

Leadership

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Team coordination

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

PLC-controlled equipment

Job description

Ditsch USA creates memorable pretzel experiences on a production line in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a Line Lead, you will drive value, supervise staff, and ensure safe, efficient, and quality-focused production to meet schedules and cost targets.

You will coach team members, enforce GMPs, manage shift changes, and coordinate with supervision to continuously improve safety and output. Prior experience in manufacturing and leadership is preferred.