Production Group Lead

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world’s leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.
Hearthside’s exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!
We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.
What We Want to Give You:
We offer a competitive wage and wide array of benefits including: • health/dental/vision insurance • 401(k) retirement plan • flex spending accounts • short & long-term disability • paid holidays and vacation • bonus opportunities (referral, production, etc.).
Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees pre-op and/or tear down depending on shift.
• Coordinate lines set-up.
• Reviews production issues, production schedule orders and product specifications.
• Works with other departments to prevent downtime.
• Leads continuous improvement plant wide.
• Assigns personnel to work stations and gives direction.
• Provides associate training as needed.
• Recommends corrective actions for non-compliance to supervisor.
• Has excellent communication skills and is very approachable. Ability to communicate with supervisors and line workers.
• Responsible for specification compliance.
• Responsible for documentation and legible record keeping for line, including, but not limited to, lot tracking, waste, quality checks, product usage, production and standards.
• Basic math skills, the ability to enter data into computer programs, and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and production reports such as product usage, packaging, lot tracking, labor tracking, waste control, daily worksheets, and any forms deemed necessary by the Production Manager and Production Supervisor.
• This position is expected to eventually cross train in all lead areas related to production and packaging.
• Must work safely at all times.
• On the floor 95% of shift.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and operate tools or controls.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit, walk, stoop or crouch. In addition, some facilities are multi-level and may require ascending or descending stairs.
• Must have the ability to lift 40 pounds occasionally and stand or sit for lengthy durations.
• Must be able to work necessary overtime based on staffing needs and customer demand, as well as across shifts.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, speak, and write in English. Bilingual capability is a plus.

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); OR three to six months related work experience and/or training; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision yet be flexible and have the ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Work Environment:

• Manufacturing environment - exposure to a variety of machines, noise levels, wet/humid and varying temperatures.
• This environment is refrigerated with temperatures ranging from 32 to 40 degrees.
• Team environment - must be able to work well with others and communicate in a respectful and professional manner.

Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disability insurance, Health insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k), Vision insurance