Production Lead

Production LeadThe Production Lead supports daily operations by supervising production team members in a freeze-dried manufacturing and/or retail packaging environment. This role is responsible for coordinating work activities, enforcing policies and procedures, supporting employee development, and driving continuous improvement while balancing safety, quality, productivity, cost, and morale.The ideal candidate will demonstrate and live by Thrive Freeze Dry's core values:CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY INTEGRITY PERSONAL GROWTH & WELLNESS TEAMWORK WORKLIFE BALANCEEssential Duties & ResponsibilitiesSupervise and support production team members by planning, assigning, and monitoring daily work activities.Implement company policies, procedures, and work standards consistently.Recommend and support improvements to production methods, equipment, operating procedures, and working conditions.Promote positive employee relations through coaching, training, and development.Participate in employment-related decisions, including performance management and corrective actions.Balance safety, quality, productivity, cost, and morale to achieve departmental goals.Maintain departmental performance metrics, visual controls, and quality control documentation.Ensure accurate and timely completion of required paperwork and reports.Must be able to read and write and have basic computer knowledgeProvide regular progress updates and communicate issues or concerns to leadership.CompetenciesLiving Thrive Freeze Dry ValuesDemonstrates behaviors and decision-making aligned with Thrive Freeze Dry's values of accountability, continuous improvement, integrity, personal growth and wellness, teamwork, and worklife balance.AttendanceDemonstrates reliability by reporting to work on time and as scheduled. Team members with two or more active disciplinary steps related to attendance do not meet position expectations.PerformanceConsistently demonstrates the skills and abilities required for the role. Team members with two or more active disciplinary steps for performance or conduct do not meet expectations.SafetyUses good judgment to maintain a safe work environment at all times. Team members with two or more active disciplinary steps related to safety incidents do not meet expectations.TrainingMaintains current and complete training requirements related to job skills, safety, and food safety. Past-due training indicates that expectations are not being met.Skills & AbilitiesAttention to Detail: Completes tasks accurately and efficiently with a high degree of precision.Change Management: Supports and implements new ideas, processes, and best practices while training others.Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization.Escalation: Identifies and escalates issues to leadership appropriately and timely.Critical Thinking: Uses sound judgment to evaluate situations and respond effectively.Cross-Training: Seeks to learn and share knowledge to build team capability and flexibility.Documentation: Maintains accurate records and required documentation.Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates self-awareness, self-management, and strong interpersonal skills.Employee Relations: Coaches employees, addresses concerns, and supports fair and consistent employment decisions.Microsoft Office: Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.Process & Policy Development: Supports the development and documentation of processes to strengthen internal controls.Productivity: Continuously improves performance across quality, safety, cost, and efficiency.Relationships: Builds and maintains effective working relationships across departments.Safety Culture: Champions safety initiatives and promotes prevention of workplace incidents.RequirementsDemonstrated ability to lead teams and achieve results through others.Ability to plan ahead and manage priorities within a 30-day planning horizon.Strong focus on safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and employee relations.Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.Food Safety RequirementsPrioritize food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and following Thrive Freeze Dry's food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.Hold self and others accountable to food safety and sanitation standards and promptly report concerns or incidents.Serve as backup to the Production Manager or Supervisor, as needed, to ensure food safety, quality objectives, and SQF system requirements are met.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsThe job requires frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; and frequent fine finger dexterity. The role generally involves:50% or more walking50% or more standingWork is performed in a food manufacturing environment with frequent temperature variations. Unrestricted visual and auditory abilities are required for safety. The ability to lift up to 40 pounds is required.