Production Lead

CATALLIA MEXICAN FOODS, LLC; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Catallia Mexican Foods, LLC is seeking an experienced Production Lead for the 2nd shift to manage packaging operations and lead a cross‑functional team. The role requires hands‑on leadership, training of new staff, and ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency on the packaging lines.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with maintenance and QA to maintain optimal performance, conduct audits, manage documentation, and drive continuous improvement throughout the shift.

Qualifications

• Must be able to identify product quality and specification requirements.
• Must be able to effectively train new employees on job duties, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Must be able to monitor product quality and ensure established quality standards are met.
• Must have strong attention to detail and focus on product quality.
• Must demonstrate effective leadership and communication skills.
• Must be able to provide work directions to assigned employees.
• Must have previous experience in leadership or lead role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee packaging operations across all lines to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Lead, train, and supervise packaging staff; verify proper line start‑up and shutdown procedures.
• Conduct hourly operational audits and track performance using Plex ERP; report deviations and effectiveness.
• Coordinate with maintenance, QA, and production management to address issues and downtime.
• Ensure daily crew meetings are conducted and that shift reports are accurate.
• Monitor line setup, equipment readiness, paper work, and sanitation compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Training

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Team coordination

Work direction

Leadership experience

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP Plex

Job description

Catallia Mexican Foods, LLC is looking for an experienced Production Lead to join our team on 2nd shift!

Shift: 2nd (2:00 pm - 10:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, Required Overtime on Saturdays per production demands)

Position Overview

This is a hands‑on position that requires the individual to perform a variety of roles across all aspects of the packaging area. The individual will be accountable for achieving operational goals while maintaining quality and safety standards. This individual will be responsible for contributing to a consistent, safe, and productive work environment through participation in corporate programs and adhering to operational and personnel policies and procedures. With a focus on the overall operation's success, the individual will work closely with the production, quality, and maintenance teams to maintain optimal quality, safety, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Ensure operation of equipment by calling for repairs and communicating with the maintenance team.
• Communicate maintenance and/or sanitation issues in a timely and professional manner.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions - Packaging

• Challenge the Metal Detectors hourly, at startup/end of run, as needed. Shut down the line; contact the Supervisor, QA, and Maintenance of any and all deviations or issues with the Metal Detector Challenges.
• Provide and verify that new employees have been satisfactorily trained; provide additional training when necessary; determine employee's suitability for the position; report to Production Management.
• Conduct and document hourly operational audits using Tervene software to monitor safety, quality, and production performance, identify deviations, and ensure timely corrective actions are taken.
• Start the equipment - Bag and Box Printers, Metal Detectors, Counter/Stackers, Sealers, Box Formers, Box Tapers, Electric Conveyors, Turn Tables.
• Monitor for problem areas, such as, but not all inclusive, personnel problems, sealing problems, printing problems, box former/taper problems.
• Ensure the quality is acceptable to the customer’s standards (Toast points, etc.) at startup and throughout the shift.
• Verify serial numbers and quantities for finished goods, report any quantity changes to Quality Assurance team.
• Ensure that the bag and box printers are printed correctly on each line at startup and throughout the shift.
• Ensure the Utilities are correctly completing the weight, size, pre-operation sheets throughout the shift.
• Communicate with all other leads to enhance start‑up and changeovers while reducing downtime.
• Ensure the product is being bagged and boxed correct at startup and throughout the shift.
• Accurately use ERP System (PLEX) for production monitoring and or changes/updates.
• Ensure that the bags/boxes and trays are correct for the product running on each line.
• Verify that each line has the proper paperwork according to the production schedule.
• Verify that the seals are good at startup and continually throughout the shift.
• Ensure that the counter/stackers are set for the correct number of tortillas.
• Ensure the pallet labels are correct at startup and throughout the day.
• Ensure all employees are present at work according to the schedule.
• Ensure that the accuview machines are set on the correct programs.
• Ensure the pallets are correct for the product running on each line.
• Monitor that the entire packaging area is maintained clean.
• Conduct daily crew meetings.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions - Mixing

• Provides technical assistance, knowledge, and expertise to mixer/operators: formulas, product quality, dough characteristics, operating parameters, etc.
• Troubleshoots and solves production problems; ensures consistency in operating parameters; works to reduce variation in production measures.
• Provides technical input and advice/recommendations to operations management on matters of equipment operation and operator performance.
• Recognizes out‑of‑spec product and acts by coaching/advising Mixers/Operators to resolve problems to minimize waste and downtime.
• Reduces product waste and downtime; improves yields and reduces cost through assisting Mixer/Operators in executing their tasks.
• Trains new and current Mixers/Operators on proper machine settings, product formulations, evaluating product attributes, etc.
• Track items and serial numbers in ERP System (Plex) to ensure proper ingredients and quantities.
• Ensures raw materials are available for production. Track quantities used and lot numbers.
• Assumes Production Supervisor responsibilities when Production Supervisor is absent.
• Ensure Operators are following safety standards while working, including regrinding.
• Communicate production needs and/or changes to Leads in the Packaging area.
• Ensure the quality is acceptable to customer specifications.
• Assist with the regrinding process.

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively participate in Food Safety and Food Defense related activities.
• Maintain compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain an environment for continuous improvement.
• Monitor quality standards; follow GMP's.
• Perform additional duties as directed.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be able to identify product quality and specification requirements and ensure products meet established specifications.
• Must be able to effectively train new employees on job duties, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Must be able to accurately measure ingredients and follow established formulas and procedures.
• Must be able to monitor product quality and ensure established quality standards are met.
• Must be able to safely operate and monitor food production and packaging equipment.
• Must be able to safely operate industrial production equipment and machinery.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast‑paced production environment.
• Must be able to troubleshoot basic machine and equipment problems.
• Must be able to troubleshoot basic machine and equipment problems.
• Must have strong attention to detail and focus on product quality.
• Must demonstrate effective leadership and communication skills.
• Must be able to provide work directions to assigned employees.
• Must have previous experience in leadership or lead role.

Leadership Qualifications

• Must be able to provide work direction, clear communication and coaching to Operators, Utility and Packagers.
• Must be able to train employees on proper procedures and equipment operation.
• Must be able to follow direction and adapt to changing production needs.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to push and lift up to 50 pounds to a height of approximately 4 feet.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend and move throughout the assigned shift.
• Must be able to push and pull a bowl containing 500+ pounds of dough.
• Must be comfortable performing repetitive movements and tasks.
• Must be comfortable working in a loud and fast‑paced environment.
• Must be comfortable working in a hot environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, to effectively communicate work instructions, safety procedures, and quality requirements.
• 3+ years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques.
• Previous experience in a leadership role.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Close attention to detail.
• Ability to take directions.
• Flexibility.
• Focus on quality.

Position Backup

• Absence covered by Production Management or a designee of Production Management.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals With Disabilities

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Catallia Mexican Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.