Production Lead (1st shift)

Business Unit Overview

At Crystal Farms Dairy Company we harbor a passion for quality food and seek out the very best talent that fosters the company’s culture of ownership and accountability. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Whether working on a new product, interacting with consumers, or giving back to the community - passion for cheese is always present in all we do.

Responsibilities

Operations & Production

• Coordinate daily production activities to meet schedules, output goals, and quality standards.
• Monitor equipment operation and collaborate with maintenance for timely repairs or adjustments.
• Ensure all batch records, production logs, and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• Assist in line startups, changeovers, shutdowns, and troubleshooting process issues.
  
  
  

Leadership & Team Support

• Provide direction, guidance, and coaching to production employees throughout the shift.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees, ensuring understanding of SOPs, GMPs, and safety requirements.
• Serve as the communication link between operators and supervisors regarding performance, staffing, and process changes.
• Promote a positive, team‑focused environment with an emphasis on accountability and continuous improvement.
  
  
  

Food Safety & Quality

• Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), allergen control programs, and sanitation standards.
• Monitor product quality and partner with QA when deviations occur.
• Ensure employees follow hygiene, handwashing, and contamination‑prevention protocols.
• Participate in internal audits and support corrective actions when needed.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in food manufacturing or related production environment.
• Working knowledge of GMPs, food safety standards, and OSHA safety practices.
• Ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and communicate clearly across departments.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Basic computer skills (e.g., ERP systems, Microsoft Office).
  
  
  

Preferred

• Prior experience in a lead, trainer, or acting lead role.
• Experience with continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S).
• Understanding of mechanical processes or basic troubleshooting skills.
• Billingual in Spanish
  
  
  

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced food manufacturing environment with exposure to variable temperatures, wet floors, and equipment noise.
• Standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), bending, and repetitive tasks required.
• Must be able to work assigned shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed.