Meat Processing Production Lead

The Judge Group; Calumet City (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a hands-on Production Supervisor to lead daily meat processing operations, overseeing production teams and ensuring food safety and product quality. You will manage workflows across processing, packaging, and distribution while maintaining high standards and compliance with USDA guidelines.

You will motivate and coach staff, monitor line efficiency, and collaborate with QA, Shipping, and Maintenance to meet targets and drive improvements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional training in manufacturing or supervision preferred.
• 2–5 years of supervisory experience in meat processing, food manufacturing, or similar production setting preferred.
• Working knowledge of USDA regulations, food safety standards, GMPs, and HACCP.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, refrigerated production environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities across meat processing, packaging, and distribution.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, and customer specifications are consistently achieved.
• Monitor workflow, staffing levels, and line efficiency to maximize productivity and reduce downtime.
• Enforce company policies and ensure compliance with USDA regulations, GMPs, HACCP, and food safety standards.
• Train, coach, and develop production staff while fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Conduct routine floor inspections to ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Shipping, Maintenance, and other departments to support operational needs.
• Track yields, product handling, and material usage to minimize waste and improve efficiency.
• Assist with scheduling, attendance management, and employee performance evaluations.
• Identify and resolve production challenges, equipment issues, and employee concerns in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate production records, reports, and documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and operational enhancements.

Job description

The Judge Group is seeking a hands-on Production Supervisor to lead daily meat processing operations, overseeing production teams and ensuring food safety and product quality. You will manage workflows across processing, packaging, and distribution while maintaining high standards and compliance with USDA guidelines.

You will motivate and coach staff, monitor line efficiency, and collaborate with QA, Shipping, and Maintenance to meet targets and drive improvements.