Plant Operations Lead — Lean, Safety & Growth

The J.M. Smucker Company; McCalla (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company in McCalla, AL is seeking an Area Leader to guide a high-performing manufacturing team at our Uncrustables plant. This hands-on leadership role focuses on safety, quality, and production targets in a fast-growing operation.

You will coach teams on lean processes, drive continuous improvement, and partner with cross-functional groups to deliver results while developing your leadership career within a respected food brand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Bachelor of Science preferred.
• 2+ years of food manufacturing operations experience required; food manufacturing preferred.
• 2+ years of leadership, supervisory, or people management experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage, and develop teams in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to safely deliver quality products while meeting production goals.
• Champion a world-class safety culture through visible leadership and accountability.
• Drive operational excellence by eliminating losses, improving processes, and delivering results.
• Maintain a strong presence on the plant floor, coaching and developing team members.
• Set clear expectations, provide timely feedback, and manage performance.
• Build an engaged, high-performing team through recognition and positive leadership.
• Lead daily shift meetings, establish priorities, and make real-time adjustments to achieve targets.
• Make sound business decisions that support safety, quality, service, and cost objectives.
• Develop team members for current success and future growth opportunities.
• Oversee training and qualification programs to build capability and consistency.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Technical Services, and Quality teams.
• Support plant startup activities, including commissioning, qualification, and verification (CQV).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, reliability, and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership presence

Lean Manufacturing

Decision making

Coaching

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor of Science preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The J.M. Smucker Company in McCalla, AL is seeking an Area Leader to guide a high-performing manufacturing team at our Uncrustables plant. This hands-on leadership role focuses on safety, quality, and production targets in a fast-growing operation.

You will coach teams on lean processes, drive continuous improvement, and partner with cross-functional groups to deliver results while developing your leadership career within a respected food brand.