Processing Lead (2nd Shift)

Lactalis USA; Murfreesboro (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Paid Time Off from day one

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Lactalis USA in Murfreesboro, TN is seeking a Processing Lead to oversee shift operations in a high-performing manufacturing facility. You will ensure safe and efficient processes while leading and developing team members.

This hands-on role involves directing production operations, championing data integrity, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. A strong background in food manufacturing principles and leadership experience is required.

Join Lactalis where we offer a comprehensive rewards program, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food processing.
• Experience leading a manufacturing team is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing principles, GMPs, and quality control regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift operations for safe and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Drive project initiatives to meet performance objectives.
• Champion SAP data entry oversight and accuracy.
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and compliance requirements.
• Investigate production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with maintenance and quality teams for operational performance.
• Conduct shift meetings and ensure task completion.

Skills

Team leadership

Manufacturing principles understanding

GMP knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Job description

Processing Lead – Murfreesboro, TN

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Midwest Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Processing Lead based in Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro is a high‑performing, multi‑platform non‑union facility with over 300 employees leading the safe, high‑quality production of a wide range of dairy products. This site supports the Midwest Yogurt business across over 10 production lines. The Processing Lead will direct shift processing output on the manufacturing floor. This is a hands‑on role that will lead the shift, direct the operators, own various pieces of data entry accuracy, and troubleshoot operational breakdowns / bottlenecks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct shift operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant dairy manufacturing processes.
• Drive and execute Project Blackhat initiatives, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule and aligned with plant performance objectives.
• Champion all SAP data entry as the SME, owning the oversight of system accuracy for production, inventory, and BOM accuracy.
• Monitor and verify processing schedules, adjusting staffing and resources to meet daily output targets.
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members while promoting accountability and engagement.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSSC and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Investigate production issues, quality concerns, and equipment downtime, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, and Planning teams to optimize operational performance and product flow.
• Review production metrics, yield performance, labor efficiency, and waste reduction opportunities, communicating results to processing leadership.
• Conduct shift handoff meetings, safety discussions, and daily direction setting with processing teams.
• Ensure all sampling and testing procedures for the shift are completed for the Lactalis GMP initiative.
• Verify completion and accuracy of production documentation, pasteurization charts, CIP verification logs, and all other associated documents.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost reduction, process optimization, and employee safety.
• Serve as the primary leadership contact during the assigned shift, ensuring timely communication, issue escalation, and successful shift handoff to incoming leadership.
• Fill in as necessary if the shift falls below minimum staffing requirements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience within a manufacturing environment (preferably food processing). Experience leading a manufacturing team is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing principles, GMPs, and relevant quality control regulations.
• Experience with processing equipment and testing methodologies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to flex work schedule when required to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation. This includes weekend and holiday work, and/or on‑call support as directed by the processing management team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Benefits

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generosamente to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally‑recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an affirmative action employer will comply with all related legal obligations.