Shift Leader

About the role

Schedule: Mon-Fri 2:45p-11:30p as well as Saturdays as needed

The Shift Leader is responsible for overseeing daily production activities while supporting a safe, efficient, and productive manufacturing operation. Reporting to the Production Supervisor, this role provides direction to the production team members, assists with employee training, ensures established operating procedures are followed, and partners with the maintenance department to help keep equipment running efficiently.

This position plays a key role in maintaining USDA standards, supporting food safety and quality initiatives, and driving continuous improvement efforts within a lean manufacturing environment. The Shift Leader works closely with leadership to achieve production goals while minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support production employees throughout the assigned shift.
• Train, coach, and guide new team members on production procedures, safety expectations, and quality standards.
• Monitor production performance and ensure daily output goals are achieved.
• Communicate production issues, equipment concerns, or quality matters to the Production Supervisor as needed.
• Identify damaged, defective, or nonconforming products and report findings promptly.
• Coordinate with the maintenance team to address equipment issues and reduce production interruptions.
• Promote compliance with USDA regulations, sanitation practices, and company food safety policies.
• Encourage continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment; experience in a USDA-regulated food production facility is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and methods used to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with experience using ERP systems.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
• Able to work independently while also collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift or move materials.
• Regularly required to sit or stand, bend and/or reach.
• Manual dexterity- the ability to quickly move hands and arms, manipulate and/or assemble objects.
• The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects.
• The use of gloves, hair net and frocks are required.

Working Environment

• This position is based in a manufacturing facility where production equipment is in regular operation.
• Work involves frequent lifting of materials and products up to 25 pounds.
• Employees are expected to follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, work boots, and hard hats when applicable.
• Loose-fitting clothing and jewelry are not permitted while working in production areas.

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned to meet operational business needs.