Packaging Lead (12 Hour shifts) Days

Idahoan Foods, LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Idahoan Foods, LLC in Kentucky seeks a Packaging Lead to supervise daily operations of the packaging department, ensuring efficient production, safety, and compliance with quality standards. You will back up Machine Operators and Supervisors and oversee maintenance, sanitation, and line changeovers.

The role requires strong leadership, effective communication, and hands-on problem solving to maintain performance, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement in packaging processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2 years packaging operations experience or equivalent education.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor adjustments on packaging machinery.
• English reading/writing; bilingual in Spanish preferred; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the packaging department to ensure smooth workflow and adherence to the packaging schedule.
• Coordinate line changeovers, sanitation, and quality control with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure safety and food safety policies are followed; report incidents and participate in root cause analyses.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Training/Coaching

Team motivation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

D365

Redzone

Job description

The Packaging Lead is responsible for monitoring the Packaging Department operations to ensure that packaging processes and equipment operate efficiently, safely and in compliance with regulatory and quality standards. The Packaging Lead will serve as support and back up for both Machine Operators and Supervisors. They must understand all aspects of the packaging operation, including the operation, maintenance, safety, and sanitation of all equipment in the packaging department.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the packaging department to ensure smooth workflow andadherencetothepackagingschedule. Monitor line performance andurgentlyresolve equipment downtime throughtroubleshooting,basic machine adjustments orexpeditingmaintenanceresponse whenrequired.Assistthe lineor departmentin the event ofreducedwork force.Coordinate the relief of or relieve the Machine Operator, Operator Helper, or Forklift Driverfor breaks.
• Work with the Sanitationand Qualityteamstocompleteand documentline changeovers.Coordinate and lead the changeover team todisassemble,cleanand reassemblethe equipment.Identifyand implement methods to reduce changeovertimes,whilemaintainingthe sanitation standard set by the company. Ensure the line and materialsfor the next production runmeet the company specifications.
• Ensurethat allSafety& Food Safety/Qualitypolicies and procedures are strictly adhered to within the packaging department. This involves reportingSafety& Food Safety/Qualityincidents,participatingin RCAs, driving closure of action items, monitoring compliance, and conducting training.ActivelyidentifyingpotentialSafety & Food Safety/Qualityrisks and resolving those risks by collaborating withcross-functional departments. Complete all trainingassignedby the companybefore thetarget due date.
• Maintainaccuratereporting of inventoryinERP.Compare thecurrentphysicalinventory againstthe ERPinventoryfor accuracy. Submit correctionsinthe ERPor with the Inventory Coordinator.Identifyroot cause forincorrect informationand complete corrective actions to prevent it fromreoccurring.Monitorinventory of consumable supplies and request orders when necessary.
• Employ the fundamentalsofLean Manufacturingtoreduce oreliminatepoints of wasteon the line or in the packaging process.Identifythe root cause and work with cross-functional teams todrive improvements tothe process.
• Use MicrosoftWindows(computer) and Apple(iPad)operating systemstomeet responsibilities around reporting, documentation, and communication.Submit necessary paperwork or reports to documentdaily attainment,writetechnical documents tomaintain standardization,use email to communicate professionally and effectively, useoperationsmobileplatformto monitor anddocumentoverall equipment efficiencyand qualitydatasheets,useweb-based formsto report asafety incident,useERPto managematerialinventory,access product specifications, andother platforms as needed to fulfill responsibilities.
• Train,coachand mentoremployees in the packaging department. Onboard new employees by overseeing the completion of their training logs within the targettime.Identifyand address skill gaps within the team by providingadditionalon the job training.Shareexpertiseand best practices with team membersto improve standardization and develop theirabilities. Provide direction and motivation to team members.Communicate the needforadditionalresources toaccomplishtraining goals.

Qualifications/Required Skills

• Education and/or Experience: Highschool diploma orGEDand2 years ofpackaging operationsexperience or secondary education combined.
• Technical Skills: Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor adjustmentsonpackaging machinery. Understanding how to troubleshoot a common issue. Ability to usetools and/or measuring devices in US or Metric units.Forklift certificationpreferred.
• Language Skills: Ability to read,comprehend, and compose simple to complex instructions, polices, procedures and correspondencein English.Bilingual in Spanish preferred.Exhibits effective speaking and written communication skills in dealing with small and large groups. Effectivelyfacilitatesmeetings.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in usingMicrosoftapplicationsWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, andother Web Based Microsoft Platforms.Proficient in using D365 and Redzone preferred.
• Reasoning Ability: Demonstratesself-confidence and maturity to make decisions and solve problems with minimal direction. Organized and able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously. Possesses strong analytical, quantitative, communication, problem solving, and technical skills.Has the ability to creatively apply experience, and common sense for processes and employees.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstratesexperience ina leadershiprole, including acting on behalf oftheSupervisorin their absence. Experience overseeing processes or teams, and motivating teammates. Ability toeffectively handle conflicts.

OtherDetails

• Work Environment: The positionis located ina food processing facility.Frequently, exposed to hot, dusty conditions and moving mechanical parts.Ninetypercent ofthe timewill be on the packagingfloorandtenpercent ofthe timewill be in an office setting.Must be able to work rotatingshiftsincluding weekends.
• Physical Requirements: Demonstratesthe ability to perform heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis. Must be able to standand walkon concrete floors for extended periods of time. Position requires repetitive motion – hand,armand shoulder movement.Must be able to drivea powered industrial vehicle.

Alignment with Core Values of the Company

• Respect & Value Our People
• Stay In Front Of Change
• Delight Our Customers
• Food Quality & Safety

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.