Production Lead

Thistle Health Inc.; Orchard View (NJ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Thistle is seeking a Production Lead to supervise a fast-paced production line, coordinating with associates to deliver meals, snacks, and beverages in a compliant, efficient manner.

You will implement SOPs, monitor QA checks, and ensure accurate line setup and labeling. The role requires strong communication, reliability, and a drive to advance into leadership within a growing food company.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1+ year experience in a high-paced food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Food Handler's Certification to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Production Associates on the floor to meet KPI goals.
• Ensure GMPs and SOPs are followed; maintain sanitation and proper line setup.
• Track time, QA/QC tasks, and documentation; update the Production Board regularly.

Skills

Communication

Leadership potential

Cross-functional collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

TITLE: Lead, ProductionDEPARTMENT: ProductionREPORTS TO: Supervisor, ProductionWHO WE ARE:Thistle makes it easy to eat well – without overthinking it. Thistle was founded in 2013 with a mission to help people get and stay healthy while improving the sustainability of our food system. Thistle delivers fully prepared, healthy-by-default meals, snacks, desserts, and organic cold-pressed juices. We believe the health of people starts with eating real, whole foods, in the right balance, without the friction. We’re building a future where nutritious, sustainable food is accessible, craveable, and part of everyday lifeAbout the RoleProduction Leads are responsible for leading a team consisting of Production Associates on the production floor. They ensure that production functions, including, but not limited to, plating and packing meals, snacks, and beverages, are performed to satisfaction to meet production KPI goals. The person in this position has the ability to effectively communicate the daily goals of the production department to the production team.How You’ll Make a DifferenceSupport Production Leadership in overseeing production process on production lines, including production execution, Quality Control/Quality Assurance, and time trackingEnsure employees are following GMPs, ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to policyMaintain working knowledge of and assist with the implementation of new and existing SOPs and policies across production teams; ensure processes and policies are adhered to at all timesDriving and pushing the line for better efficiency and accuracy, meeting targeted goals for the shift.Organizing the line with the correct components and materialsUnderstanding and communicating which meal the line will be working on and addressing any major allergies, meal specifics, and/or other pertinent informationEnsure that sanitation buckets, cleaning solutions, and materials are on the line prior to production, and make sure all GMPs are followed.Identifying who will be utilizing scales and ensuring their proper use and the target weight for componentsUnderstand the targeted weight volume needed to fulfill meals and anticipate early enough to provide the Kitchen ample time to supplement the short called-outEnsure all documentation, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance are conducted, completed, and submitted on time.Communicating break and lunchtime expectations of when to return to the line. Ensuring that all associates returning are on time and accounted for.Updating the Production Board with Line progression numbers either every hour or every 2 hours.Submit all Documentation to the Production Managers' office and input metrics into appropriate digital formsEnsure that Meal Towers are properly labeled with the correct amount, date, and meal codeIdentify and communicate all shorts, including, but not limited to, bin weights, components, meal count shorts, etc.Proper updates and communication on Slack and other necessary methods such as the call-out line, phone, meetings, etc.Attend consistent safety meetings once per week, keeping track of policy changes and rolloutsSupport Production leadership in ensuring OSHA compliance standards are adhered to at all times by staffSupport Production leadership with internal QA audit initiativesWho You AreHigh school diploma or equivalent required1+ years related experience required; experience in a high-paced food manufacturing environment highly preferredDesire to grow into leadership positions and develop leadership skillsStrong communication skills that put people first and the ability to balance empathy and direct feedback to both support and advocate for the team and also maintain consistent standards of performanceAbility to form effective working relationships with a cross-functional teamAbility to adhere to company SOPs and implement new initiatives as neededAbility and willingness to master new equipment and related automation as implemented.Valid Food Handler’s Certification(must be obtained within 30 days of hire)Our CultureDiversity, equity, and inclusion are essential values at Thistle. We know we do our best and most impactful work when we feel we are represented and belong. We're proud to actively recruit and hire talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”), including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, color, hairstyles, hair texture, religion or religious creed, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran or active military status, marital status, criminal record, genetics, retaliation, sexual harassment or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.