Production Leader - 2nd Shift

About the role

Since 1869, we've connected people through food they love. We’re proud to be stewards of amazing brands that people trust. Our portfolio includes the iconic Campbell’s brand, as well as Cape Cod, Chunky, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Pace, Rao’s Homemade, Snack Factory, Snyder’s of Hanover. Swanson, and V8.

Here, you will make a difference every day. You will be supported to build a rewarding career with opportunities to grow, innovate and inspire. Make history with us.

• Location: Downers Grove, Illinois
• Base Pay Rate: $32.00
• Shift: 2nd Shift (Ability to flex between shifts as needed)

Hours: Generally starts as early as 2:45 PM to 11:00 PM. Overtime required as needed based on business demands. Start times and hours may vary due to attendance coverage, production schedules, and holiday requirements. Good attendance and punctuality are essential.

How You Will Make History Here

As a Production Leader, you will drive performance, engagement, and continuous improvement within a 24/7 fresh-baked food manufacturing environment. You will lead one value stream (production line) and be responsible for delivering results in safety, people, quality, delivery, and cost. Through strong leadership, coaching, and operational excellence, you will help create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and world-class manufacturing performance.

What You Will Do

Lead Operations Performance

• Manage daily manufacturing activities for a production line to maximize production efficiency and effective utilization of people, equipment, and resources.
• Drive value stream performance with a zero-loss mindset and champion continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Develop and execute corrective action plans to address operational inefficiencies and improve results.
• Lead the Daily Direction Setting (DDS) process and engage team members in achieving operational goals.
• Maintain production and timekeeping records utilizing systems such as Kronos, SAP, and Mini Miint.
• Develop daily labor schedules and coordinate staffing needs across departments and shifts.
• Provide leadership and support for FSQ activities and ensure compliance with operational standards.
• Communicate effectively across shifts and functions regarding staffing, maintenance, production, and scheduling needs.

Develop and Lead Team Members

• Direct, coach, and support hourly team members to achieve plant and line objectives.
• Assess training needs and implement development plans to enhance employee skills and capabilities.
• Foster employee engagement, empowerment, teamwork, and accountability.
• Deliver ongoing coaching, mentoring, and feedback to support employee growth and performance.
• Lead organizational change initiatives and help team members successfully adapt to evolving business needs.

Drive Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Lead safety programs and initiatives with a goal of achieving zero injuries.
• Identify workplace risks and implement action plans to reduce hazards and improve safety performance.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, workplace conduct expectations, and operational procedures.
• Maintain adherence to SQF, HACCP, CTS, GMP, calibration, food safety, and quality standards.
• Investigate and resolve employee concerns while maintaining positive employee relations.
• Provide backup support to the Product Manager regarding GMP, food safety, and quality requirements.

Who You Will Work with

• Hourly production team members
• Product Managers and Operations leadership
• Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) teams
• Maintenance, Scheduling, and Planning teams
• Production Leaders across all shifts
• Cross-functional plant support teams focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement

What You Bring to the Table… (Must Have)

• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading or supervising employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience delivering operational results in safety, quality, schedule attainment, and cost management.
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards, HACCP guidelines, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and food safety requirements.
• Experience using continuous improvement and problem-solving methodologies such as A3, Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), and 5 Why analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to drive decision-making and action planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong coaching, training, facilitation, and team development capabilities.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours and shift schedules as business needs require.

IT Would Be Great If You Have… (Nice to Have)

• Five or more years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Associate degree or higher in Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, Food Science, or a related field.
• Experience working in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
• Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience with manufacturing systems such as SAP, Kronos, or similar production management platforms.
• Proven success leading change management initiatives and driving employee engagement programs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and push or pull loads up to 1,500 pounds.
• Ability to use sensory awareness to diagnose and troubleshoot operational issues.

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing plant environments.
• Regular exposure to moving machinery, vibration, forklift traffic, industrial noise, temperature fluctuations, and other manufacturing conditions.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all safety procedures.
• May require overtime and schedule flexibility to support operational needs.
• Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a Powered Industrial Equipment physical and completing required licensing requirements.
• Position includes a 90-day evaluation period to ensure satisfactory performance.

Pay and benefits

Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package.