Production Lead

Production Lead – Food ManufacturingThe Production Lead plays a critical role in daily food manufacturing operations, ensuring human safety, food safety, GMP compliance, and consistent product quality. This position leads a small production team, coordinates work orders and packaging specifications, operates and monitors production equipment, and maintains accurate production and inventory records. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong leadership, and maintains a high standard of safety and sanitation.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and monitor production workers to ensure safe, efficient, high-quality food manufacturingReview work orders and packaging specifications to verify correct materials, labels, and product requirementsEnforce safety rules and escalate issues beyond crew or supervisor resolutionOperate handheld scanners to manage manufacturing software and maintain accurate inventory transactionsReconcile staging areas using Mapics RF tools to ensure accurate material flowUse computers to run automated reports, print documents, and enter work order requestsSchedule and monitor crew breaks to maintain production flowOperate production equipment safely and ensure crew compliance with safety and GMP policiesAssign and perform daily housekeeping and sanitation tasks according to GMP standardsMonitor product quality, complete required documentation, and report production dataUpdate communication boards and conduct shift-change meetings for seamless transitionsPerform and assign all required QC testing during the shiftIdentify bottlenecks, product loss, and inefficiencies and take corrective actionEnsure all HACCP, CQP, and allergen procedures are followed and documentedTrain and cross-train crew members to build a flexible, capable production teamUse basic math skills—including fractions—to calculate ingredient quantities for partial batchesSupport safety, quality, cost, delivery, and morale objectives through work order requestsPerform additional duties as needed to support production goalsEssential Skills & Qualifications1–3 years of production, manufacturing, or supervisory experienceExperience leading small teams in a manufacturing or general labor environmentAbility to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, procedure manuals, and manufacturing ordersStrong written communication skills for reports and documentationSolid math skills: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, percentages, and graph interpretationAbility to follow written, oral, or diagram instructionsAbility to identify production issues and escalate appropriatelyComfort using handheld scanners and manufacturing softwareAbility to operate production equipment safely and follow GMP guidelinesStrong attention to detail in quality monitoring and documentationPreferred QualificationsExperience in food manufacturing or GMP-regulated environmentsFamiliarity with Mapics RF tools or similar inventory systemsExperience performing or overseeing quality control testingAbility to lead, train, and cross-train production teamsStrong organizational skills for scheduling, documentation, and shift transitionsComfort working early-morning or late-evening shifts in a fast-paced settingAbility to participate in safety and quality programs and support ongoing improvementsWhy You'll Love Working HereYou'll join a growing, supportive operation that invests in its people and promotes from within. This role offers hands-on training, clear advancement opportunities, and the chance to grow from leading a small production room to broader floor leadership responsibilities. The environment is close-knit, team-focused, and committed to continuous improvement. Your contributions will be recognized, and strong performance leads to expanded opportunities.Work EnvironmentThis position is located in a food manufacturing facility where strict adherence to GMP, safety, and sanitation protocols is required.Shift: 1st shift, Monday–Thursday, 3:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Facility includes eight production rooms (2–4 people per line) and four packaging roomsTeam members must wear required PPE: uniform, hair net, beard net (if applicable), and safety shoesEmployees must wash and sanitize hands and boots before entering the production floor and each roomFast-paced, hands-on environment focused on safety, sanitation, and consistent product qualityJob Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove Village, IL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment.

Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove Village, IL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.