Production Lead

Hello! We are looking for a dedicated Production Lead to join the team! Del Real Foods is a traditional Mexican food manufacturer born out of a family farm. Today, Del Real Food makes tamales, carnitas, salsa, and other recipes inspired by the Cardenas' native Jalisco -- all created by hand with fresh ingredients and nothing artificial. 

Food and family lie at the core of everything we believe at Del Real Foods, and we invite you to apply to join and experience out company culture firsthand, where we view our teams as family, with a shared appreciation for what it means to savor both food, and family.

The Production Lead will be responsible for performing a full range of production tasks, using the supervisor as guidance to complete daily assignments. This role involves coordinating and delegating activities within the production line, ensuring efficient operations while maintaining product quality and safety.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Life Insurance offered
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Vacation Time
• 9 Paid Holidays

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Always work safely and set a positive example for others by wearing the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and enforcing its use at all times.
2. Adhere to all safety programs such as Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and emergency protocols.

1. Lead or assist in team safety meetings (e.g., 7-minute safety talks and Alchemy training) as directed by the supervisor.
2. Report any unsafe conditions immediately to avoid accidents and prevent unnecessary hazards.
3. Recognize unsafe behaviors and take proactive steps to coach team members on safer practices, ensuring that they do not repeat mistakes.
4. Always follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
5. Be knowledgeable about Critical Quality Points (CQP) and Critical Control Points (CCP).
6. Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Prerequisite Programs applicable to the department.
7. Have a strong understanding of production flow, yield concepts, and how they impact overall efficiency.
8. Be capable of running the shift independently in the absence of the supervisor, ensuring smooth operations.
9. Follow and execute the daily production schedule to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and provide timely shift reports, including a thorough handover to the next shift.
10. Ensure that production processes are executed according to work instructions and system references (e.g., Bill of Materials in AX) versus actual production.
11. When issues arise, identify root causes and develop solutions to improve processes.
12. Be proactive in maintaining organization and cleanliness in the production area following 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
13. Be an effective team player and also work well independently, ensuring productivity and quality standards are met.
14. Possess knowledge of how to efficiently operate all equipment in your designated department.
15. Provide guidance and support to train and develop operations team members.
16. Ensure all team members are present, on time, and ready to work in their designated areas.
17. Be willing to cover other departments and positions as needed to ensure continuous production.
18. Encourage collaboration and act as a role model to foster teamwork within your team.
19. Values-based approach is the foundation for role, ensuring that you uphold the highest standards of conduct while achieving excellence in production outcomes.

Requirements and Duties:

1. At least 1 year of experience in USDA, FDA, and SQF-regulated environments (if applicable).
2. Familiarity with PC software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and experience with AX (preferred).
3. Knowledge of the Safety Chain (production module) and AX, including Bills of Materials (BOM) and inventory categories.
4. Proficiency with basic lab equipment such as scales, thermometers, and hotplates.
5. Must be observant, organized, and detail-oriented to ensure efficient production and product quality.
6. Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to lead by example and inspire collaboration.
7. Ability to lead and provide direction to team members, making sound decisions to move production toward excellence with minimal supervision.

C.   EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Minimum of 3 years of experience in the food production industry (experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred).

1. English/Spanish bilingual skills preferred.
2. Familiarity with USDA, FDA, and SQF regulations.

After completing an application, qualified candidates will be scheduled for a phone screen followed by an interview with the Production Department management team. Selected candidates will then be scheduled for an offer of employment and orientation!

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Sincerely,

--The HR Team 😊