Back Up Team Lead: 1st Shift

Description

Join a Mission That Matters – Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms

At Butterball® Farms, we’re more than a world-class food manufacturer — we’re a company on a mission: to Enrich Lives. For over 60 years, we’ve proudly partnered with the world’s premier food brands to deliver innovative, value-added butter products. But our impact goes far beyond the food industry.

Recognized globally for our excellence and named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies, we invest deeply in our people, our communities, and our future. From fostering innovation and personal growth to supporting local neighborhoods, we believe success starts with a strong, supportive workplace.

When you join Butterball® Farms, you’re joining a team that values growth, innovation, and making a difference — together.

What We Offer

At Butterball® Farms, we believe that when our people grow, our company grows. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your success — both on and off the job.

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement Build your career in an environment that encourages development and internal promotion.
• Innovative & Inclusive Culture Join a workplace that celebrates innovation, continuous improvement, personal growth, and diversity.
• Shift Premiums Competitive pay with additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift positions.
• Paid Time Off Enjoy paid vacation and holidays to support work-life balance.
• 401(k) with Company Match Plan for your future with our generous retirement savings program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Continue your education with financial support for approved programs.
• Access to The Source Get connected to community resources, support services, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related issues.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Train, mentor, supervise, and develop sanitation team members.
• Coordinate daily sanitation operations including equipment and facility cleaning.
• Oversee sanitation activities: work assignments, employee rotations, training, vacation coverage, breaks, overtime assignments, and back-up scheduling.
• Partner with HR to support staffing needs, including interviewing and selecting candidates.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Maintain responsibility for sanitation quality and food safety standards.
• Communicate effectively with other Team Leaders, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, HR, and management.
• Ensure accurate and timely entry of sanitation shift paperwork and records into systems.
• Lead or participate in waste reduction, cost savings, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Achieve sanitation and compliance goals within established timelines.
• Handle conflict resolution and apply disciplinary action when necessary.
• Enforce company policies, safety practices, sanitation protocols, and GMP/food safety guidelines.
• Ensure proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Provide hands-on sanitation support when required.

Requirements

We believe a successful Team Lead will have the following qualifications:

Education / Certificates / Licenses / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Bilingual ability preferred, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good eye-hand coordination
• Computer literacy, preferably with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Strong ability to manage and adapt in changing situations
• Demonstrated experience in coaching, training, and developing others
• Excellent time management and attention to detail
• Proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively lead a diverse team
• Ability to train, mentor, and encourage team members’ growth
• Troubleshooting abilities and analytical skills to improve line efficiency
• Skilled in addressing and resolving personnel and peer conflicts
• Knowledge of quality control standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and workplace safety practices
• Comfortable using Microsoft software and production systems
• Ability to remain effective under changing conditions and requirements
• Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered on an individual basis.

Essential Physical Requirements

(This role requires the following physical activities)

Continuous (67–100% of the time):

• Seeing
• Lifting
• Reaching
• Standing
• Repetitive hand motions

Frequent (33–66% of the time):

• Kneeling
• Grasping
• Talking
• Hearing
• Walking
• Driving
• Bending at the waist
• Twisting upper body

Occasional (Up to 33% of the time):

• Stooping
• Crouching
• Pushing
• Additional reaching

Physical Effort

• Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 10 lbs (sedentary)
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs (medium)
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 20 lbs (light)
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 100 lbs (heavy) or more (very heavy)

Working Environment

This position is located in a production/processing environment, which may involve:

• Cold temperatures ranging from 45°F with occasional exposure to freezer environments as low as -10°F
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and machinery
• Standing and working on concrete floors for extended periods
• Fast-paced, physically demanding tasks in a team-oriented setting
• Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of any employee assigned to this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA).