Protein Packaging Lead

Who We Are

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's mission is to lead a network that provides nutritious food and pathways to self-sufficiency for people facing hunger. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to food security. We are committed to remain on the front lines, along with our community-based partners, to provide nutritious food and resources for Oklahomans facing hunger.

Job Description

As a Protein Packaging Center Associate, you'll be at the heart of our food preparation and packaging operations — ensuring every product meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and presentation. You'll supervise daily workflows, mentor team members and serve as a key operational point person, especially in the absence of the department manager. From coordinating USDA compliance to driving training initiatives and optimizing inventory, this role blends practical execution with leadership and strategic oversight. If you're energized by a team effort, precision and purpose-driven work, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact — one package at a time.

A Day in the Life

Food Preparation and Packaging

• Prepare and package various food products according to company standards and food safety regulations.
• Operate packaging machinery and equipment.
• Inspect food products for quality and freshness before packaging.
• Select appropriate packaging materials based on the product type and size.
• Operate vacuum sealers, wrapping machines and other packaging equipment.
• Ensure proper sealing and presentation of packaged products.
• Follow company hygiene protocols and always comply with food safety regulations.

Team Coordination and Workflow Execution

• Direct, mentor and assist Protein Packaging Specialists and program participants during shifts.
• Delegate daily tasks, monitor progress and verify completion within established timeframes.
• Facilitate daily shift briefings and weekly performance check-ins with team members to align on goals and outcomes.

Operations Management and Departmental Coverage

• Oversee set up, staging and supply stocking to maintain consistent workflow.
• Partner with USDA inspectors to uphold regulatory standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of all stations and break areas.
• Step in as the department point person during the Protein Packaging Manager's absence, addressing operational needs, staffing adjustments, scheduling updates and urgent matters.
• Work jointly with the Protein Packaging Manager to assess staffing needs, optimize workflows and plan for future improvements.

Training and Development

• Facilitate onboarding, training and skills development for staff and job training participants.
• Maintain up-to-date training records and certifications for staff and job training participants.

Inventory and Resource Stewardship

• Partner with cross-functional teams to forecast inventory requirements and ensure availability.
• Monitor resource usage and deploy strategies to reduce waste.

Data Reporting and Compliance

• Record accurate production, inventory and participation data.
• Submit daily shift reports with observations and recommendations for process enhancements.
• Convey weekly summaries with the Protein Packaging Manager to highlight progress toward operational targets.

Required Qualifications

How you have spent your time:

• Obtaining your High School Diploma or GED.
• Working in food manufacturing or processing for at least 1 year.

Other Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to obtain AIB and ServSafe certification.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification.
• Clearance of background investigation and drug screen.
• Pass physical examination.

Preferred Qualifications

How you have spent your time:

• Obtaining an associate degree or working for at least 2 years in a relevant field.
• Working in a leadership role for at least 1 year.
• Working in the Protein Packaging Center for at least one year.
• Experience working with USDA-inspected food programs.

Your Environment

Full exposure to extreme weather changes and humidity/moisture relative to atmospheric condition variations. Includes exposure to extreme summer and winter temperatures, as well as rain, sleet and snow. Full exposure to dust, chemicals, gases, fumes, smoke, excessive noise and/or vibrations. Work generally performed in an industrial environment (indoor or outdoor) with various hazards and noise exposure. Travel may be required for assignments, meetings and training. The job also requires availability for rotating on-call schedule, occasional unscheduled call-outs and extended workdays and/or workweeks. Overtime, weekend and/or holiday hours may be required.

Physical Demands

The company will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Utilize multi-limb coordination and flexibility combined with control precision to perform fine motor skills including: finger manipulation, grasping, feeling, arm-hand steadiness, in order to push, pull or lift objects. Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work involves climbing at heights at or above six feet. Utilizes multi-limb coordination to balance on even or uneven surfaces, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, and walk, reach over shoulders or below the knees. Auditory attention and hearing sensitivity is required, as candidates must possess the ability to distinguish various sounds that serve as key maintenance indicators. Must employ the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by the company's Environmental, Health and Safety policies.

We'll Take Care of You

The Regional Food Bank offers a combination of competitive benefit plans and work-life assistance:

• 100% paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability and basic life insurance.
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(K) retirement plan
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible spending accounts
• Holiday savings program
• Paid time off (based on years of service) and 11 paid holidays plus three floating holidays.
• Wellness events

Benefits will vary depending on the type of position and are subject to change at the discretion of the Regional Food Bank.

EEO Statement

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is an Equal Employment Opportunity, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.