Packaging Team Lead

Summary

Reporting to the Production Supervisor, this role is a hands-on working leader responsible for the safe, efficient operation of a packaging line in a sauce manufacturing facility. This working Team Lead role ensures the production of quality product that complies with customer specifications and food safety standards, coordinates team breaks and line activities, liaises activities with Sanitation team to keep the line running, tracks raw materials used and production output in Sage, and escalates issues as needed while continuously looking for ways to improve efficiency and standardization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the safe, efficient operation of an assigned packaging line, ensuring compliance with health, safety and Good Manufacturing Practices at all times
• Inspect, set up, and adjust packaging line equipment prior to production start-time, including calibration, part changeover, cleaning, and lubrication
• Ensure product produced on the line meets customer specifications, quality standards, and all applicable food safety requirements
• Operate packaging line equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Continuously look for and implement opportunities to improve line efficiency, reduce waste, and standardize work practices across the team
• Coordinate and schedule breaks among team members to maintain continuous, compliant line coverage throughout the shift
• Coordinate activities with the Sanitation Supervisor to ensure production and cleaning schedules don’t conflict
• Arrange for timely delivery of totes of product, packaging supplies, and finished product to and from the line using a forklift and following standard material handling procedures or coordinating activities through a peer Material Handler
• Accurately input product produced, downtime, and related production data into Sage on a shift basis
• Monitor line performance and escalate quality, safety, mechanical, or staffing issues to the Production Supervisor, Maintenance, or Quality team as needed
• Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and perform basic/autonomous maintenance on packaging equipment
• Fill in for absent team members on any part of the line as required to maintain production
• Train new and existing team members on equipment set-up, changeover, and basic troubleshooting
• Coach team members on the line and provide input into their performance assessments
• Relay pertinent shift information, including production counts and issues, to the Production Supervisor on a daily basis
• Promote a purpose-driven, values-led culture by regularly communicating with and listening to team members
• Support the creation and continuous improvement of job instructions, visual aids, and area housekeeping standards
• Provide safety leadership to the team by educating and coaching on safe work practices and investigating near misses and/or accidents should they occur
• Other duties as required aligned to the purpose of the role

Qualifications

• 2 – 3 years’ experience working in a food manufacturing environment
• High school diploma, required
• Valid Counterbalance forklift license from external provider an asset
• Previous experience as a team lead is considered an asset
• Experience operating multiple types of packaging equipment
• Experience managing a team or a full packaging line nice to have
• Basic knowledge of plant operations and mechanical equipment
• Strong communication and computer skills
• Some basic knowledge of Programmable Logic Control (PLC), Electrical & Sensor Technology (types, installations, trouble shooting, diagnosis and operation, etc.) nice to have
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMPs) and quality/customer specification requirements
• Familiarity with Sage or similar ERP/production data entry systems, or willingness to be trained
• Clear and energetic communication skills with proficiency in English, reading and writing
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word
• Good organizational skills, sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across a shift
• Ability to lead, motivate, and coach a team while maintaining a hands-on presence on the line

Work Environment

• Must wear required Safety and GMP personal protective equipment while on the plant floor: safety shoes, safety glasses, company uniform, hair net, beard/moustache net (if applicable)
• Standing for extended periods
• Operating a forklift
• Temperature-changing environment: humidity, heat, cold
• Noise-heavy environment; personal hearing protection can be provided upon request
• Some exposure to wet conditions and slippery floors
• Exposure to food odors
• Possibility of heavy lifting, manually moving product and materials up to 50 lbs

Monday to Friday 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm