Production Leader

Imagine...working for a company that knows that its people are the key to its success in the marketplace. A company in which achieving extraordinary results and having a stimulating work experience are part of the same process.

We cultivate and embrace a diverse employee population. We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our global culture.

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, team oriented environment, likes to be challenged, and values the opportunity to make a difference.

LOCATION: Downers Grove

DEPARTMENT: Operations

JOB TITLE: Production Leader

WORKDAY GRADE LEVEL: H0O2

BASE RATE PER HOUR: $30.45

SHIFT: Ability to flex between shifts as needed

# OF OPENINGS: 1

HOURS: 1:45 pm to finish with the ability to flex between shifts as needed
(Starting times and hours may vary depending on coverage due to report-offs and the production schedule especially during holidays.)

JOB SUMMARY/ JOB DUTIES:
Manages all aspects of production for a value stream (one production line) in a 24/7 manufacturing operation that produces premium, fresh-baked products. Coordinates the production and technical activities in makeup and packaging. Directs the work activities of hourly employees; drives attainment of business objectives; and guides team members to deliver results in the areas of safety, people, quality, delivery and cost. Identifies continuous improvement opportunities and applies appropriate tools to improve results and enhance the plant's competitive position. Drives the employee development processes; develops the capabilities and competencies of employees through ongoing training, coaching, and mentoring; promotes employee engagement, empowerment and teamwork. Ensures full compliance with all applicable Safety, Quality and CTS, as well as Company policies and standards related to workplace conduct.

Principal Accountabilities
75% Operations Management:
1. Manages manufacturing activities on one line to obtain optimum production and utilization of human resources, machines and equipment.
2. Develops and implements measures to improve production process, equipment efficiency and performance, and the quality of our products.
3. Drive value stream performance on the production line with a zero-loss mentality. Mentor team members in the daily continuous improvement process.
4. Utilize metrics to meet production goals/objectives relative to safety, people, quality, delivery and cost; and develop corrective action plans to address any inefficiencies.
5. Owns Daily Direction Setting (DDS) process by utilizing their team to drive efficiencies and corrective action for the daily operation of the value stream.
6. Maintains timekeeping and productions records, i.e. Kronos, SAP, Mini Miint.
7. Assesses training needs and implements effective training plans to develop and upgrade skills for hourly associates on the line.
8. Effectively communicates with team members keeping them well-informed regarding goals, results, initiatives, and changes. Ensures that the line's focus is properly aligned with the larger plant goals.
9. Communicates cross functionally with the other leads on the shift, as well as the other shifts regarding production, staffing, maintenance or scheduling issues.
10. Develops and maintains the daily labor schedules for the line. Works cross functionally with the other line leads to ensure staffing needs are met.
11. Will oversee FSQ team activities.
25% Program Management:
1. Proactively manages safety programs and initiatives; drives a zero injury mentality; and develops action plans to drive risk reduction expectation to the production floor.
2. Interprets and enforces Company policies and procedures; holds employees fully accountable for complying with these standards.
3. Resolves employee issues, questions, and complaints; maintains a positive employee relations environment.
4. Ensures all SQF, HACCP, CTS, Safety, and calibration standards are adhered to.
5. Must adhere to all GMP and Food Safety Policies and Practices.
6. Provide back up to Product Manager for all GMP, food safety and quality policies.
Job Complexity (provide several examples of typical work-related problems that this position is expected to resolve)

• Has shift accountability for a production line; must be able to work cross functionally and to provide guidance and direction for any issues that impact their production process.

• Must possess the ability to overcome resistance to organizational change, influence all employees to embrace it, and lead the change initiative.

• Responsible for the daily management of the value stream; must manage the daily operations function as well as budgeting, and enabler identification and execution.

• Must be able to multitask running the production line with continuous improvement projects and programs.

• Must develop and maintain rapport with employees at all levels of the plant to drive results. Must interface effectively with multiple departments/functions within the plant.

• Must possess the ability to train a diverse group of hourly employees, adapting training programs and presentation style to fit the audience.
Job Specifications (Knowledge, skills and abilities normally required for competent performance in the job)

• Preferred: More than 5 years' experience working in a non-union food manufacturing environment, and Associates degree or higher in a related field.

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

• A minimum of 3-5 years previous experience managing/supervising groups of employees in a non-union manufacturing environment.

• Cross-functional experience with an understanding of delivering successful business results in the areas of schedule attainment, safety, quality, and cost.

• Knowledge of OSHA standards, HACCP guidelines, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), etc.

• Ongoing passion to identify continuous improvement opportunities and lead initiatives to deliver bottom-line results. Must be a change agent.

• Should possess analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to formulate action plans based on real data.

• Experience with lean and continuous improvement tools and methodologies (A3 problem solving, RCFA, 5 Why, etc)

• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written). Must possess strong training/facilitation skills.

• Computer proficiency in Windows-based software applications (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to:

• Stand for extended periods of time

• Use hands, fingers and arms to reach, feel product and manipulate materials and equipment

• Walk, stoop, climb, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear

• Ability to use senses to diagnose and troubleshoot problems

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push/pull heavy loads up to 1500 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The working environment includes both office and plant floor settings. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, hot/cold temperature extremes, outside weather conditions, high industrial noise levels, forklift traffic, high/precarious places and wet/humid environments.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to comply with all safety regulations, support plant safety initiatives, proper operating procedures and utilize prescribed safety equipment such as safety eyeglasses, safety shields, gloves, earplugs, respirators, and approved footwear. Ability to deal with a changing work environment and high-pressure situations. Must be able to work in a team environment.

This position may require overtime as deemed necessary to support operations activities.

Position is contingent on passing Powered Industrial Equipment physical and success completion of licensing requirements.

There will be a 90-day evaluation period to ensure satisfactory performance.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

In that regard, U.S. applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.