Shift Lead Days - Bethlehem, PA

Kerry; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan with company contribution

Paid time off

Job summary

Kerry's Bethlehem, PA facility in the Liquid Beverage division is seeking a Production Operator/Lead to oversee daily production activities, ensuring output meets KPIs and quality standards. You will perform hands-on operations across roasting, grinding, extraction, RO, blending, and filling as needed.

The role requires strong technical aptitude, safety and quality focus, and the ability to coach team members.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or food production environment, preferably in a lead or senior operator role.
• Strong technical aptitude and understanding of production processes.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to coach and guide others.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and procedural compliance.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Basic proficiency with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production activities to ensure output meets established KPIs and quality standards.
• Perform hands-on operation of equipment across roasting, grinding, extraction, RO, blending, and filling as needed.
• Identify and escalate performance or equipment issues to the Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including batch records, logs, and shift notes.
• Provide coverage for the Supervisor during meetings, trainings, or absences.
• Attend required trainings or cross-functional meetings outside core hours when necessary.
• Support other departments or production areas based on business needs

Skills

Lead operator

Production processes

Safety & quality

Communication

Independent work

SAP familiarity

Tools

SAP

Job description

Position Type (US)Full Time

Workplace Arrangement #LI-Onsite

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

Our Bethlehem, PA, location is part of our Liquid Beverage division and specializes in coffee extract and flavorings created for Kerry products and customers!

5000 Township Line Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017

Pay Rate/Hourly Rate/shift differential 29.00/hr

Shift/Working Hours 500 am - 130pm

Leadership & Team Support

• Provide day to day direction and support to production team members.
• Serve as the first point of contact for questions, troubleshooting, and process guidance.
• Assist the Supervisor in reinforcing expectations around safety, quality, and performance.
• Help train new employees and ensure proper adherence to SOPs and SSOPs.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and accountability across the shift.

Key responsibilities

Production Operations

• Oversee production activities to ensure output meets established KPIs and quality standards.
• Perform hands-on operation of equipment across roasting, grinding, extraction, RO, blending, and filling as needed.
• Identify and ESCALATE performance or equipment issues to the Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including batch records, logs, and shift notes.

Safety & Compliance

• Model and enforce all safety policies, GMPs, and quality procedures.

Systems & Reporting

• Utilize SAP for production entries, material movements, and inventory accuracy.
• Assist with shift handover communication to ensure seamless transitions between shifts.
• Support Supervisor with data collection and reporting of shift performance metrics.

Flexibility & Coverage

• Provide coverage for the Supervisor during meetings, trainings, or absences.
• Attend required trainings or cross-functional meetings outside core hours when necessary.
• Support other departments or production areas based on business needs

Qualifications and skills

• Experience in a manufacturing or food production environment, preferably in a lead or senior operator role.
• Strong technical aptitude and understanding of production processes.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to coach and guide others.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and procedural compliance.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Basic proficiency with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred.

Preferred Traits

• High integrity and strong sense of ownership.
• Calm, steady presence during fast-paced or challenging situations.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Team-focused with a passion for developing others.

Compensation Data

The pay rate for this position is $29.00 per hour. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 12/2026.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).