The Packaging Lead is responsible for monitoring the Packaging Department operations to ensure that packaging processes and equipment operate efficiently, safely and in compliance with regulatory and quality standards. The Packaging Lead will serve as support and back up for both Machine Operators and Supervisors. They must understand all aspects of the packaging operation, including the operation, maintenance, safety, and sanitation of all equipment in the packaging department.
Main Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the packaging department to ensure smooth workflow and adherence to the packaging schedule. Monitor line performance and urgently resolve equipment downtime through troubleshooting, basic machine adjustments or expediting maintenance response when required. Assist the line or department in the event of reduced work force. Coordinate the relief of or relieve the Machine Operator, Operator Helper, or Forklift Driver for breaks.
- Work with the Sanitation and Quality teams to complete and document line changeovers. Coordinate and lead the changeover team to disassemble, clean and reassemble the equipment. Identify and implement methods to reduce changeover times, while maintaining the sanitation standard set by the company. Ensure the line and materials for the next production run meet the company specifications.
- Ensure that all Safety & Food Safety/Quality policies and procedures are strictly adhered to within the packaging department. This involves reporting Safety & Food Safety/Quality incidents, participating in RCAs, driving closure of action items, monitoring compliance, and conducting training. Actively identifying potential Safety & Food Safety/Quality risks and resolving those risks by collaborating with cross-functional departments. Complete all training assigned by the company before the target due date.
- Maintain accurate reporting of inventory in ERP. Compare the current physical inventory against the ERP inventory for accuracy. Submit corrections in the ERP or with the Inventory Coordinator. Identify root cause for incorrect information and complete corrective actions to prevent it from reoccurring. Monitor inventory of consumable supplies and request orders when necessary.
- Employ the fundamentals of Lean Manufacturing to reduce or eliminate points of waste on the line or in the packaging process. Identify the root cause and work with cross-functional teams to drive improvements to the process.
- Use Microsoft Windows (computer) and Apple (iPad) operating systems to meet responsibilities around reporting, documentation, and communication. Submit necessary paperwork or reports to document daily attainment, write technical documents to maintain standardization, use email to communicate professionally and effectively, use operations mobile platform to monitor and document overall equipment efficiency and quality datasheets, use web-based forms to report a safety incident, use ERP to manage material inventory, access product specifications, and other platforms as needed to fulfill responsibilities.
- Train, coach and mentor employees in the packaging department. Onboard new employees by overseeing the completion of their training logs within the target time. Identify and address skill gaps within the team by providing additional on the job training. Share expertise and best practices with team members to improve standardization and develop their abilities. Provide direction and motivation to team members. Communicate the need foradditional resources to accomplish training goals.
Qualifications/Required Skills
- Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or GED and 2 years of packaging operations experience or secondary education combined.
- Technical Skills: Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor adjustments on packaging machinery. Understanding how to troubleshoot a common issue. Ability to use tools and/or measuring devices in US or Metric units. Forklift certification preferred.
- Language Skills: Ability to read, comprehend, and compose simple to complex instructions, polices, procedures and correspondence in English. Bilingual in Spanish preferred. Exhibits effective speaking and written communication skills in dealing with small and large groups. Effectively facilitates meetings.
- Computer Skills: Proficient in using Microsoft applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and other Web Based Microsoft Platforms. Proficient in using D365 and Redzone preferred.
- Reasoning Ability: Demonstrates self-confidence and maturity to make decisions and solve problems with minimal direction. Organized and able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously. Possesses strong analytical, quantitative, communication, problem solving, and technical skills. Has the ability to creatively apply experience, and common sense for processes and employees.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates experience in a leadership role, including acting on behalf of the Supervisor in their absence. Experience overseeing processes or teams, and motivating teammates. Ability to effectively handle conflicts.
- Attendance: Ability to maintain exemplary attendance.
Other Details
- Work Environment: The position is located in a food processing facility. Frequently, exposed to hot, dusty conditions and moving mechanical parts. Ninety percent of the time will be on the packaging floor and ten percent of the time will be in an office setting. Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends.
- Physical Requirements: Demonstrates the ability to perform heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete floors for extended periods of time. Position requires repetitive motion - hand, arm and shoulder movement. Must be able to drive a powered industrial vehicle.
Alignment with Core Values of the Company
- Respect & Value Our People
- Stay In Front Of Change
- Delight Our Customers
- Food Quality & Safety