Production Lead-Nights

Michael Foods; Mars Hill (ME); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Foods, Inc., located in Mars Hill, Maine, seeks a Production Lead to supervise packaging line operations, ensure quality, and maintain safe working conditions. You will coordinate with Processing, Maintenance, QA, R&D and Shipping/Receiving to resolve delays and drive continuous improvement.

The role emphasizes adherence to SQF, GMP and safety policies, with responsibilities including training staff, data entry in SAP, and maintaining documentation.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills for interacting with teams and presenting information.
• Proficient in basic math, including fractions, percentages, and ratios.
• Problem‑solving skills and ability to interpret various instructions.
• Computer proficiency in database, inventory, manufacturing, order processing, spreadsheet, and word processing software.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily packaging line operations to meet production goals.
• Monitor breaks, lunches, and schedule changes as needed.
• Ensure product quality through regular checks and adherence to standards.
• Collaborate with Processing, Maintenance, QA, R&D, and Shipping/Receiving to resolve delays or issues.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Provide direction to production staff.
• Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with safety programs.
• Coordinate and conduct employee training on production and packaging procedures.
• Follow SQF principles and report any food or human safety concerns.
• Maintain proper documentation in redzone with comments on all missed checks.
• Ensure all paperwork and data input into SAP is completed and accurate.
• Complete sanitation activities as required.
• Act as the Production Supervisor in their absence; support supervisory responsibilities as needed.
• Accountable for a safe and healthy workplace; adhere to safety policies and procedures.
• Adhere to GMPs and maintain sanitary conditions and report any conditions affecting safety/quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Math skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal communication

Data entry / computer skills

Education

Associate degree

Tools

SAP

Database software

Inventory software

Excel

Job description

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with businesses in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Location

Michael Foods, Inc. is located in Mars Hill, Maine. Pineland Farms is one of the largest food manufacturing organizations located in Aroostook County. Our Mars Hill facility has over 200 team members who work together to provide our customers with the best possible potato product.

Responsibilities

The Production Lead is a key member of the production team, responsible for overseeing the line operations. This role ensures adherence to production schedules, maintains product quality, supports employee training, and promotes a safe working environment. The position collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement. The position is responsible for complying with safety work rules at all times and reinforcing Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities related to Food Safety & Quality are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

• Supervise daily operations of the packaging lines to meet production goals.
• Monitor, reassign or step in as needed for breaks, lunches, and schedule changes.
• Ensure product quality through regular checks and adherence to standards.
• Collaborate with Processing, Maintenance, QA, R&D, and Shipping/Receiving to resolve delays or issues.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Provide direction to production staff.
• Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with company safety programs.
• Coordinate and conduct employee training on production and packaging procedures.
• Follow all SQF (Safe Quality Food) principles and report any food or human safety concerns.
• Maintain proper documentation in redzone with comments on all missed checks.
• Ensure all paperwork and data input into the computer system (SAP) is completed and accurate.
• Complete sanitation activities as required.
• Act as the Production Supervisor in their absence; support supervisory responsibilities as needed.
• Accountable for a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Adhere to Quality work practices, follow GMP’s, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree - Preferred.

Experience

• 1-2 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with teams and presenting information.
• Proficient in basic math, including fractions, percentages, and ratios - Required.
• Problem‑solving skills and ability to interpret various instructions.
• Computer proficiency in database, inventory, manufacturing, order processing, spreadsheet, and word processing software.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Ability to speak effectively before groups, customers/vendors or employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Cognitive and Equipment Demands

Frequent problem-solving, decision-making, planning, organizing, and communication.

Equipment used includes forklifts, pallet jacks, trash compactors, hand/power tools, ladders, computers, and more.