Crate Wash Lead

Job Title: Crate Wash Lead
Salary Range: CAD$21:63ph – CAD$27:00ph
Working Type: On-Site

PURPOSE OF ROLE
Responsible for leading and overseeing crate wash operations across inbound, washing, and palletising processes, ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous flow while maintaining quality, hygiene, and operational standards, and supporting team performance and cross-functional coordination.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Regulatory, Safety & Quality Compliance
Ensure all operations meet safety, hygiene, and quality standards across the crate processing area.
Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements across all functions
Oversee safe handling of equipment, chemicals, and materials, including forklift operations
Enforce cleanliness and hygiene standards across inbound, wash, and palletising areas
Monitor adherence to operational procedures and compliance protocols
Proactively identify risks and take corrective or preventive action

Operations Leadership & Process Control
Lead daily activities to ensure efficient and stable crate processing operations.
Direct and coordinate inbound, washing, and palletising activities to ensure continuous flow
Monitor operational performance and adjust priorities to meet production requirements
Optimize system performance including crate wash equipment, conveyors, and AGVs
Manage chemical dosing processes in line with hygiene and safety standards
Support first-line troubleshooting and ensure timely escalation of technical issues

Crate Handling, Quality & Inventory Management
Ensure proper control of crate quality, inventory, and reconciliation processes.
Oversee crate inspection, rejection, re-induction, and scrap processes
Ensure consistent quality standards across all stages of crate handling
Monitor crate and pallet inventory levels, including internal storage and external locations
Maintain accurate system visibility and control of inventory movements
Ensure alignment between physical and system records

Operational Flow & Coordination
Maintain seamless end-to-end flow across all crate operations.
Demonstrate understanding of the full crate processing workflow and the impact of individual tasks on upstream and downstream operations
Coordinate activities across inbound, washer, and palletising teams
Manage bottlenecks and ensure balanced throughput across all process stages
Align operational priorities to meet production and dispatch needs
Ensure effective use of equipment and resources to maintain flow efficiency
Respond quickly to disruptions to minimize operational impact

Team Leadership & Capability Development
Drive team performance, engagement, and operational execution.
Lead, coach, and support team members across all crate operations roles
Set clear expectations and monitor performance standards
Provide on-the-floor guidance and support during operational activities
Promote cross-training to enable role flexibility and skill development
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement

Communication, Problem-Solving & Administration
Ensure effective communication and resolution of operational challenges.
Communicate operational updates, risks, and issues clearly to team and leadership
Lead response to escalations and resolve issues to maintain workflow
Ensure accurate recording of operational data, including rejects and system updates
Support reporting, compliance documentation, and audit readiness
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and complete additional assigned duties
Perform Other duties as assigned by supervisor/Manager

KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Essential
2-3 + years of Experience in warehouse, manufacturing, or production environments
Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to guide and motivate teams
Valid forklift operator certification with strong safety practices
Understanding of crate operations including inbound, washing, and palletising
Knowledge and high level of accountability of safety, sanitation, and food hygiene standards
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond to operational challenges
Excellent communication and coordination skills
Strong attention to detail and operational awareness
Perform repetitive manual handling tasks, including lifting, stacking, and prolonged standing
Understanding of ERP/WMS systems and inventory tracking
Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor / Manager

Desirable
Experience with automated systems, AGVs, or industrial equipment
Knowledge of chemical handling and sanitation processes
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong coordination across cross-functional teams

Working Conditions
Temperature controlled work environment maintained between 0–2°C
Moderate noise levels due to AGVs, robotic systems, and material handling equipment (MHE)
Ability and willingness to wear mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection and cold environment PPE

WOULD SUIT SOMEONE WHO IS…
A strong team leader who leads by example and supports operational teams
Comfortable managing fast-paced, high-volume operations
Adaptable and able to make real-time decisions
Detail-oriented with strong quality and safety focus
Proactive in identifying and resolving issues
Demonstrates collaboration, accountability, agility, and continuous improvement mindset
Promotes a positive, safety-first, and performance-driven team culture

Collaboration and Culture Activation
Works closely with operations, maintenance, and quality teams
Supports cross-functional coordination across crate operations
Drives consistency, standardization, and best practices
Encourages team development and operational excellence

Hilton Foods Canada is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees. At Hilton Foods Canada, we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the HR representative. All requests for an accommodation and the accommodation measures will be handled in a confidential manner at all times.