Processing Team Lead - Grinding & Stuffing Ops

THRUSHWOOD FARMS QUALITY MEATS INC; United States; On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Smokehouse Partners in Galesburg, IL seeks a Processing Team Lead to oversee grinding, mixing, and stuffing within the processing department, ensuring equipment safety and product quality per specifications and regulatory requirements.

The role supports the Superintendent with daily production planning and trains employees, partnering with Quality and Maintenance to maintain product integrity, efficiency, and compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–2 years of food manufacturing experience; grinding/mixing/stuffing experience preferred.
• Leadership or training experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GMPs, sanitation requirements, allergen control, and food safety standards.
• Mechanical aptitude to adjust, operate, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and report operational and quality-related data.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to achieve production objectives.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Superintendent with developing and executing daily production schedules as needed.
• Monitor grinding, mixing, and stuffing equipment for safe, consistent operation.
• Adjust machine settings to maintain product quality and meet specifications.
• Maintain traceability of materials and finished products with accurate documentation.
• Lead, mentor, and train production employees in relevant operations.
• Provide hands-on training on procedures, equipment operation, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Communicate specifications, expectations, and priorities to team members.
• Collaborate with Quality and Maintenance to ensure equipment functionality and sanitation.
• Collect and report production data, quality metrics, and KPIs.
• Ensure SOPs, GMPs, allergen control programs, and food safety compliance.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Support continuous improvement for productivity, quality, and safety.
• Perform related duties to support goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Mechanical aptitude

Data analysis

Food safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GMPs

Sanitation procedures

Allergen control

Equipment troubleshooting

Job description

Western Smokehouse Partners in Galesburg, IL seeks a Processing Team Lead to oversee grinding, mixing, and stuffing within the processing department, ensuring equipment safety and product quality per specifications and regulatory requirements.

The role supports the Superintendent with daily production planning and trains employees, partnering with Quality and Maintenance to maintain product integrity, efficiency, and compliance.