Manufacturing Lead - Fresh Department (Second shift)

The Wonderful Company; California (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Manufacturing Lead to oversee production in their Fresh Department. This role is pivotal in ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency while leading a dedicated team in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will monitor production runs, coach team members, and maintain compliance with food safety standards. This dynamic position offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a company that values wellness and corporate responsibility. Join a team that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact in the food industry.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k with match eligibility

Manager and leadership training

Continuous improvement training

Wellness resources

Cash rewards for healthy habits

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in food packing or manufacturing roles.
• Strong understanding of production processes and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities and oversee quality and safety standards.
• Train and mentor staff to ensure efficient work performance.

Skills

Leadership in fast-paced environments

Quality control

Lean manufacturing

Food safety regulations

Mentoring and training

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

2-4 years in leadership role

Computer literacy

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Manufacturing Lead - Fresh Department (Second shift)

• Full-time

POM Wonderful delivers a whole lot of healthy. Known for our iconic double-bubble bottle, we grow, harvest, package, and market fresh pomegranates, pomegranate arils, and a selection of delicious pomegranate-blended juices and teas. With over 10,000 acres in California’s Central Valley, POM Wonderful is committed to unleashing the antioxidant power of our handpicked pomegranates.

The Manufacturing Lead will closely monitor production runs according to the run plan and the Fresh Pack plan as well as coordinating with the Packer, Grader, and Process Checker leads to maintain standards. Lead the daily operations team and oversee the overall quality, safety, GMPs, and employee performance of their assigned areas. The Manufacturing Lead will work daily with the staff to ensure efficient work performance by training, coaching, developing, and correcting employee behavior. This leadership role will direct the work of hourly staff and will be responsible for the overall performance of the department. In addition, they will do any other tasks as assigned by their manager.

What our Manufacturing Lead will do:

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities within Fresh Pack areas.
• Monitor packaging operations according to Run Plan and Pack Plan.
• Supervise and assess performance of Sizer Operators, Packers, Graders, and Process Checkers.
• Coach, train, and correct team performance to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
• Schedule and conduct re-training when performance or compliance gaps are identified.
• Maintain GMPs, Food Safety standards, and enforce company policies.
• Collaborate with Packing House Leads to manage special fruit sampling tasks.
• Report safety, harassment, or attendance issues to the supervisor promptly.
• Punch in/out accurately and ensure adherence to shift schedules.

Skills & experiences we are seeking for this role:

• 2–4 years in a fast-paced leadership role within a food packing or manufacturing facility.
• Solid understanding of production processes, quality control, and lean manufacturing.
• Experience working with fruit distribution or packing lines.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and compliance.
• Proven ability to mentor, train, and lead a diverse hourly workforce.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to lead meetings, provide feedback, and deliver presentations.
• Comfortable working weekends and adapting to flexible schedules.
• Tech-savvy with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Education & Experience:

• 2-4 years in a fast-paced leadership role in production.
• Computer literacy with databases, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Excellent organizational and communications skills.
• Ability to work within a team environment and with external partners.

Wonderful's Dedication to You:

• Competitive benefits package including Medical (including 24/7 online access to a physician), Vision, Dental, and 401k with match eligibility.
• Opportunities for development and internal mobility.
• Manager and leadership training, biweekly L&D webinars, and eLearning offerings.
• Companywide problem solving and continuous improvement training.
• Wonderful Giving (wonderfulgiving.com) - allowing you to donate company money to a cause of your choice.
• Company prioritizes wellness through its Wonderful NOW (Nourish Our Wellness) initiative, which provides a robust suite of wellness offerings such as access to mental health resources and life coaching, employee community groups, cash rewards for healthy habits, and on-demand fitness videos.

POM Wonderful is the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the United States as well as the worldwide leader in fresh California pomegranates and pomegranate-based products, including our 100% pomegranate juices, healthy juice blends, and teas. With nearly two million pomegranate trees in Central California, we grow, handpick, and juice our own pomegranates to ensure the highest quality. Sold throughout the world and in the vast majority of North American retailers, our selection of products includes pomegranate-based juices and teas, fresh fruit when in season, and fresh arils.

POM Wonderful is part of The Wonderful Company, a successful, fast-growing privately held $6 billion company with 10,000 employees worldwide. The Wonderful Company’s connection to consumers has health at its heart and giving back in its DNA. The company has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, including more than $1 billion invested in environmental sustainability; $65 million in charitable giving, education initiatives, and innovative health and wellness programs each year; and $143 million toward the construction of two charter school campuses in California’s Central Valley. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit csr.wonderful.com.

The Wonderful Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities for advancement. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that embodies a deep culture of acceptance, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.