Production Coordinator

Cerelia Bakery Canada LP; Whitehall (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cérélia is seeking a 1st shift Production Coordinator in Whitehall, OH to support gluten-free cookie dough production and line throughput. You will train operators on multiple equipment, verify verification sign-offs, and ensure adherence to Safety, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and GMP policies.

The role reports to the Production Supervisor in a state‑of‑the‑art facility, with responsibilities across Production, Quality Assurance, and Health & Safety.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s or Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience in coordinator/leadership roles in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to learn and apply new processes, equipment, and SOPs quickly.
• Ability to train, coach, and mentor employees on duties, safety, quality standards, and processes.
• Strong math skills and the ability to understand written work instructions and procedures.
• English communication required; Spanish or French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Foster team communication to maximize line efficiency.
• Support labor productivity with a target of ≥360 units per labor hour.
• Track hourly performance and support actions to achieve OEE ≥70%.
• Maintain waste level below 5%.
• Inspect equipment prior to startup to ensure readiness and safety.
• Lead huddles in the Production Supervisor’s absence and coordinate labor assignments.
• Train new line operators and document sign-offs for verification.
• Ensure safety, GMP, and quality compliance across the line.

Skills

English communication

Spanish or French (plus)

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

VMI mixers

Spiromatic System

Rademaker

VEMAG

Job description

About the Company

Cérélia operates a state‑of‑the‑art commercial bakery and production facility in Whitehall, Ohio, a 150,000‑square‑foot plant that opened in September 2021 and serves as the U.S. manufacturing hub for the Jus‑Rol brand. Our Whitehall facility specializes in ready‑to‑bake chilled dough products—including pizza dough, pie crusts, puff pastry, and cookie dough—and continues to expand with new product lines to support national growth.

Team members enjoy modern onsite amenities such as a fitness center and EV charging stations, all within a clean, innovative, and fast‑growing environment. While our Whitehall plant is new, Cérélia’s roots trace back to 1974, evolving from a France‑based bakery into an international leader in dough innovation. As we grow, our people grow with us—if you’re passionate about doing meaningful work with a company on the rise, we’d love to hear from you.

Position Profile

We are seeking a 1st shift Production Coordinator for our Gluten‑free cookie dough and rolled dough workshop A & B to support production operations and help improve overall line throughput and efficiency.

In this role, the Production Coordinator will train new equipment operators on equipment such as VMI mixers, Spiromatic System, Rademaker, VEMAG, BFR, Ilapak, Heinen, BPA, and other equipment as required. The role will train new line operators on job‑specific tasks, verify their ability to accurately perform assigned duties, and ensure safe operation and correct equipment settings. The Production Coordinator will also support proper dough preparation according to formula and quality standards, serve as an auditor in the 3‑Way Verification Signoff Process, document all verification sign‑offs, and provide them to the Supervisor for review. As needed, this role will support line startups to help ensure on‑time starts and reinforce compliance with Personal Safety, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and GMP policies.

This role will report directly to the Production Supervisor and will work in the state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in Whitehall, Ohio.

Responsibilities

Production

• Foster communication among the team to ensure the line functions as efficiently as possible.
• Support labor productivity by helping the line achieve a minimum of 360 units per labor hour or greater.
• Assist with shift execution by tracking hourly performance, identifying labor or equipment constraints, and supporting corrective actions to increase and maintain OEE at a target of 70% or greater.
• Maintain and improve waste level to less than 5%.
• Inspect equipment prior to startup to ensure it is in working condition and free of foreign material or damage.
• Optimize production line efficiency by monitoring productivity and quality.
• Verify incoming inventory handoff procedures are completed accurately.
• Identify and help resolve production line problems in a timely manner.
• In the Production Supervisor’s absence, lead huddle meetings and update the team on performance and areas of concern.
• Train new line operators until they can be verified and signed off.
• Document observation of start‑up and shutdown checklists.
• Escalate mechanical issues to Maintenance.
• Escalate personnel issues to Production Supervisor.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure productivity goals stay on track.
• Ensure that the work environment is safe, organized, and tidy.
• Assist in scheduling with R&D and Production for various trials.
• Train operators on performing changeovers and end‑of‑run cleans within the specified timeline, including disassembly and reassembly of necessary equipment as needed.
• Support junior‑level supervisory duties by helping coordinate labor assignments, breaks, line coverage, and operator placement to maintain production flow and minimize idle time.
• Monitor downtime events in real time, ensure accurate downtime tracking, and elevate recurring issues to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, and Maintenance team.
• Provide coaching and direction to operators during the shift to reinforce standard work, improve line discipline, and support safe, efficient production performance.
• Train operators on the correct process for logging downtime and other maintenance issues for the End of Shift Report.
• Report all safety incidents immediately to EHS personnel and the Production Manager.
• Develop Videojet programs for production runs.
• Train line workers on the correct process to follow for 5S.
• Lead by example.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Quality Assurance

• Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality food that meets SQF, regulatory, company, and customer requirements.
• Ensure all mixers and operators perform quality control tests and confirm dough meets quality standards and specifications.
• Report any issues or suggestions to improve quality performance or the working environment to the Production Leadership.
• Complete daily GMP checks to verify the team is compliant with company GMP policy.

Health & Safety

• Follow company safety policies and practices, fostering a safe workplace and environment for ourselves and our co‑workers.
• Prioritize safety while carrying out daily activities.
• Understands and follows all Lock Out Tag Out Standard Operating Procedures.
• Report any unsafe acts or conditions to the immediate production supervisor.
• Understand cleaning chemicals and their handling procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary working environment always.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience required. In addition, a minimum of three (3) years of manufacturing experience is required, including at least one (1) year of experience in a coordinator, supervisor, manager, or food manufacturing leadership role.
• Demonstrated ability to perform job‑related mathematical calculations and comprehend written work instructions, procedures, and operational documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new processes, procedures, equipment, and technologies in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to develop, document, and maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials to support onboarding, cross‑training, and operational consistency.
• Ability to effectively train, coach, and mentor employees on job duties, work instructions, safety requirements, quality standards, and operational processes, adapting training methods to accommodate varying experience levels and learning styles.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, as required to perform essential job functions. Additional language proficiency in Spanish or French is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and adapt to changing production demands, priorities, and schedules.
• Ability to safely operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production machinery and equipment, with appropriate training.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to use mobile applications and other business‑related technology systems.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, safety procedures, and operational requirements.
• Availability to work varying shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, based on operational and business needs.
• Demonstrated ability to provide positive leadership, foster teamwork, and model Cérélia’s core values and expected behaviors.
• Proven reliability, initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment in the performance of job responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stack or carry pans, ingredient containers, and related materials for extended periods.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks for extended periods, including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting.