Production Line Leader

Mission-Edge; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Edge is seeking a Production Line Leader in Watsonville, CA to supervise a high-volume food production line at El Pajaro CDC Co-packing. You will lead line workers, enforce GMP and HACCP practices, and ensure daily targets are met with quality and food safety as top priorities.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in food manufacturing or production preferred.
• California Food Handler Card/Certification required.
• Previous leadership or team lead experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct line workers' daily activities and monitor performance.
• Ensure the line is set up properly, clean, and functional.
• Perform in-process quality checks (weight, label, seal, etc.).
• Monitor equipment status and escape issues.
• Maintain accurate and timely paperwork (batch logs, labels, etc.).
• Train and coach new employees on production procedures and company expectations.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to increase efficiency.
• Communicate updates to the Production Manager.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Quality control

Food safety awareness

Education

California Food Handler Card/Certification

Tools

Tablets/Computers

Job description

Production Line Leader

Department: Managed Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Watsonville, CA

Reporting To: Co-Packing Production Manager

Compensation: $18.00 - $20.00 / hour

Description

Reports To: Co-Packing Production Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular

Department: Food Business Development Program

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: El Pajaro CDC's Commercial Kitchen Incubator, Watsonville

Pay Rate: $18.00-$20.00 per hour

Mission Edge is proud to support El Pajaro Community Development Corporation in their recruitment efforts. This position is a direct hire for El Pajaro CDC, not Mission Edge. All employment, supervision, and reporting for this role will be with El Pajaro CDC.

Position Summary

The Production Line Leader is a hands-on supervisory role responsible for driving the performance, quality, and efficiency of a dedicated production line at El Pájaro CDC Co-packing. This role is the frontline leader that keeps operations running smoothly, directly guiding a team of line workers, upholding food safety and quality standards, and ensuring daily production targets are met on time. The ideal candidate leads by example, thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and takes ownership of their line from setup to shutdown. As a key link between the production floor and management, the Production Line Leader plays a critical role in maintaining El Pájaro CDC's commitment to operational excellence and a high-performing team culture.

This position is responsible for supporting and coordinating high-volume food production and processing operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Direct line workers' daily activities and monitor performance.
• Ensure the line is set up properly, clean, and functional.
• Perform in-process quality checks (weight, label, seal, etc.).
• Monitor equipment status and escape issues.
• Maintain accurate and timely paperwork (batch logs, labels, etc.).
• Lead by example by actively working alongside the production team.
• Ensure daily production goals are met while maintaining food safety and quality standards.
• Train and coach new employees on production procedures and company expectations.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to increase efficiency.
• Verify all materials, ingredients, labels, and packaging are correct before production begins.
• Ensure all line documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
• Assist with changeovers, equipment cleaning, and end-of-day shutdown procedures.
• Communicate updates to the Production Manager.
• Enforce GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and ensure all team members are in compliance with food safety protocols at all times.
• Track and report line efficiency, downtime, and yield data to support continuous improvement efforts. Monitor attendance and punctuality of line staff and communicate concerns to the Production Manager.
• Participate in internal audits, mock recalls, or third-party inspections as needed.
• Ensure proper labeling, allergen controls, and lot traceability are maintained throughout production.

Desired Qualifications

• 2+ years of food manufacturing or production experience preferred.
• California Food Handler Card/Certification required.
• Previous leadership or team lead experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable making decisions under pressure.
• Reliable, dependable, and punctual.
• Basic math skills for production counts, weights, and documentation.
• Comfortable using tablets, computers, or production paperwork.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules when production demands require.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, or SQF standards is a plus.
• Experience working in an SQF, BRC, or similarly certified food facility preferred.
• Basic understanding of allergen management and cross-contamination prevention.

Confidentiality Agreement

Confidentiality Agreement – Required Upon Hire

Upon being hired, all team members are required to read and sign the El Pájaro CDC Co-packing Confidentiality Agreement before beginning work. As part of the co-packing operation, you may have access to proprietary recipes, formulations, and production information belonging to El Pájaro CDC or its clients. By signing the agreement, you commit to:

• Keeping all recipes, formulas, and production processes strictly confidential.
• Using confidential information only to perform your assigned duties.
• Returning or destroying all confidential materials upon request.
• Reporting any suspected unauthorized disclosure to your supervisor immediately.

These obligations remain in effect during and after employment. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information may result in disciplinary action and/or legal liability.

About El Pájaro CDC: For more than 45 years, El Pájaro Community Development Corporation (CDC) has supported disadvantaged entrepreneurs achieve their business goals and enhance their economic autonomy through business advising, training, access to capital and technical assistance. Building on this legacy, our Food Business Development Program supports food entrepreneurs, small-scale producers and farmers with commercial kitchen access, co-packing services and the resources needed to develop value-added food products, access new markets and grow sustainable businesses. To learn more about El Pájaro CDC, visit www.elpajarocdc.org.