Production Lead - 1st Shift A - Sun-Tues, Every other Wed.

Thrive Freeze Dry; Oak Creek (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food manufacturing sector is seeking a Production Lead to supervise a team and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, embodying the company's core values of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Ability to lead and balance safety, quality, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Supervises production team and manages departmental performance.
• Ensures effective employee relations and compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Change Management

Communication & Escalation

Critical Thinking

Cross-training

Documentation

Emotional Intelligence

Employee Relations

Productivity

Relationship Building

Safety Culture

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Production Lead

Reports to: Production Supervisor

The ideal candidate will possess and live by Thrive Freeze Dry core values.

Core Values

• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
• ACCOUNTABILITY
• INTEGRITY
• PERSONAL GROWTH AND WELLNESS
• TEAMWORK
• WORK – LIFE BALANCE

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Supervises production team members in a freeze-dried manufacturing or retail packaging environment: plans and assigns work, implements policies and procedures, and recommends improvements in production methods, equipment, operating procedures, and working conditions. Ensures effective employee relations by providing coaching and development, and participating in employment decisions. Balances quality, productivity, cost, safety, and morale to achieve positive results. Manages departmental performance measures, including visual controls, QC paperwork, and regular progress reports to supervisor.

Competencies

Living Thrive Values: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with accountability, continuous improvement, integrity, personal growth and wellness, teamwork, and work-life balance.

Attendance & Performance

Reliability and performance are essential. Punctuality and active disciplinary steps for attendance or disciplinary actions can impact position expectations.

Safety & Training

Maintains good judgment for safety, completes required training, and demonstrates job preparedness from safety, skills, and food safety perspectives.

Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Change Management
• Communication & Escalation
• Critical Thinking
• Cross-training
• Documentation
• Emotional Intelligence
• Employee Relations
• Microsoft Office
• Process & Policies Development
• Productivity
• Relationship Building
• Safety Culture

Minimum Requirements

Ability to lead, plan ahead, and balance safety, quality, productivity, cost, and employee relations. Strong interpersonal, communication skills, and multi-tasking abilities are required.

Food Safety Requirements

• Prioritize food safety, quality, and sanitation per Mercer Food’s policies.
• Hold self and others accountable; communicate incidents or opportunities.
• Serve as backup to ensure food safety, quality, and SQF system compliance in the absence of the supervisor.

Work Environment

Includes frequent physical activities such as lifting (up to 40 lbs), stooping, kneeling, and standing for extended periods, under temperature variations typical of a food manufacturing setting. Visual and auditory abilities are crucial.

Product Safety & Quality

• Prioritize and adhere to Thrive Freeze Dry’s safety, quality, and sanitation policies.
• Ensure GMP compliance and SQF standards regarding food contact packaging and product defense.