Production Lead (Operator)

Production Lead (Operator) – Brooklyn Park, MN

Own the Line. Support the Team. Drive Results.

At International Packaging, we are expanding our team and hiring Production Leads for multiple shifts at our Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, location.

Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Brooklyn Park, MN
Benefits: Medical (ICHRA), employer-paid dental, vision, and disability coverage, PTO and paid holidays, plus a 401(k) with 3% Safe Harbor contribution and supplemental options.

Why Join International Packaging?

For nearly five decades, International Packaging (IPI) has been a trusted partner in creating innovative promotional packaging and marketing solutions. Our success is built on living our core values every day:

• Character– We act with honesty, integrity, and respect in every interaction.
• Service– We go above and beyond to support our clients and our team members.
• Excellence– We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality and performance.

When you join IPI, you’re not just part of a production team—you’re part of a culture that values people, teamwork, and growth.

What You’ll Do

As a Production Lead, you’ll play a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and the successful execution of assigned production lines and jobs. You will:

• Review job tickets and communicate effectively with production team members
• Take ownership of one production line, work center, or assigned production job
• Arrive before shift start to ensure materials, staffing, equipment, and documentation are ready for production

• Confirm job specifications and production line setup for efficient and accurate operations to hit expected run rates
• Ensure all required materials are available and communicate material needs with Warehouse personnel
• Set up production employees and temporary staff at the beginning of each shift
• Train and support employees and temporary staff to maintain safe, effective, and consistent job performance
• Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned equipment, work centers, and production processes
• Work within the pack-out area while maintaining ownership of overall line performance
• Monitor production run rates and productivity throughout the shift
• Monitor product quality and ensure finished goods meet customer specifications
• Identify and resolve production issues quickly and effectively to maintain expected production deliverables
• Prepare upcoming jobs by organizing materials and reviewing production requirements prior to production
• Complete daily production paperwork with accuracy and timeliness
• Maintain accurate production counts for all projects, including documenting and tracking rejects

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED encouraged
• Basic math skills required
• At least 1 year of experience in printing/packaging preferred (willing to train motivated individuals)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods while overseeing production lines
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds as needed

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• 2 years of manufacturing and/or packaging experience.
• Demonstrated ability to meet goals and deadlines
• Detail-oriented with a solutions-focused mindset
• Familiarity with standard safety protocols around machinery
• Positive, coachable, and team-oriented attitude
• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance
• Strong communication skills—able to motivate, coach, and collaborate across a diverse team; Spanish language skills are a huge plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• On-site on the production floor (Monday – Friday).
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods.

Benefits Include:

• Medical Coverage: ICHRA medical options through Zorro
• Employer-Paid Benefits: Dental, vision, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage provided by IPI
• Health Support: Company-provided Kivara medical subsidy for general health needs (not a replacement for medical insurance)

• Voluntary Benefits: Accident, critical illness, and additional supplemental coverage options
• Paid Time Off: PTO and paid holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a 3% Safe Harbor employer contribution

Schedule & Overtime Expectations

• Schedule Expectations
  • This position is based out of our Minneapolis/Brooklyn Park office and is expected to work on-site Monday through Friday during standard business hours. This role emphasizes accountability, responsiveness, and results over strict clock watching.
• Overtime Expectations
  • This role is primarily scheduled during assigned shift hours. From time to time, business needs may require work during evenings, weekends, or overtime periods to support production demands, peak workloads, or client commitments.