Demo

Team Lead - Purelink 1st shift

Kayem Foods
Chelsea, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/30/2025 CLOSED ON 12/29/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Team Lead - Purelink 1st shift position at Kayem Foods?

SUMMARY:

The Team Leader supports the Supervisor in managing daily operations in real-time. In the Supervisor’s absence, the Team Leader is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of production. This includes making sure products are produced correctly, in the proper quantities, and on schedule, in accordance with customer specifications.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Inspect all products before they leave the department for any non-conforming items
  • Correct non-conforming items when possible or hold the product and notify the Supervisor
  • Assist in training new employees and guiding trainees in proper procedures
  • Coordinate team members to ensure production lines are properly staffed according to productivity standards
  • Ensure production lines start on time, including after all scheduled breaks
  • Manage line coordination to meet scheduled deadlines as efficiently as possible
  • Ensure production meets scheduled quantities and timelines
  • Provide constructive guidance and coaching to employees on correct methods and procedures
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary workspace in accordance with USDA, HACCP, and company standards
  • Ensure production teams are actively producing when needed
  • Communicate promptly with the Supervisor regarding any mechanical issues, material shortages, or personnel concerns
  • Enforce all safety protocols and procedures (e.g., lock-out/tag-out, PPE usage).
  • Learn all equipment, procedures, line setups, and documentation processes to support effective leadership
  • Learn how to use and operate different machines and systems such as : Blend and MES systems, MR Labeler machine
  • Learn the Patio system and how to input yellow tags.
  • Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work environment, including tools and equipment
  • Accurately complete all required paperwork as needed

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Previous team leadership experience in a manufacturing or production setting strongly preferred
  • Prior food manufacturing experience is highly desirable
  • Experience or working knowledge of production equipment operation, processing specifications, and labeling requirements
  • Basic math skills and the ability to perform production-related calculations
  • Basic computer proficiency
  • Strong English communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to complete required documentation (e.g., productivity reports)
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Physically capable of regularly lifting/moving up to 50 lbs., and occasionally up to 75 lbs
  • Comfortable working in a cold, wet, and loud production environment
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends or overtime, as needed

Company Overview

Kayem Foods is a family owned and operated craft meat business that has been making New England’s favorite franks, sausages, and prepared meats in Chelsea, Mass. since its founding by Kaz Monkiewicz back in 1909. Well over 100 years later, we are the largest meat processor in New England and still pushing our craft to the next level – tweaking recipes to have the perfect flavors and extending our expertise into delicious new areas and collaborations – such as Kayem’s Night Shift Brewing Small Batch Beer Brats. One thing will never change, it’s our “Old World” food philosophy: to only make food we would share with our own friends and family. We offer the opportunity for professional growth and to make a difference in a flexible and collaborative environment.

Kayem offers competitive wages and benefits to full time employees. Kayem benefits include:

  • Healthcare Insurance, and Dental (pre-tax and effective first day of employment)
  • Vision (pre-tax and effective the 1st day of the month after start of employment)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan (Health Care Reimbursement and Dependent Care (effective 1st day of employment)
    Reimbursement)
  • Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (effective 1st day of employment and no cost to employee)
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) Retirement Plan (with employer matching contributions of up to 3% plus 50% of your contributions up to 5%)
  • Vacation Pay, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement (eligible after 6 months of continuous employment and up to $3,000 for career development)
  • Opt-Out Medical Rebate, Doctor on Demand, and Wellness Initiatives for those who are eligible!
(Please NO staffing agencies or external recruiter calls)

Pay Range

The base pay range for this role is $23.00 USD/Hourly

The listed salary range represents Kayem Foods’ good faith estimate for this position and represents the minimum and maximum for new hire pay ranges.

Ranges are reviewed on a regular basis. An employee’s rate of pay within the range is determined by their qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated performance over time. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued wage growth. This position is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package and is eligible for an annual wage review. Kayem Foods complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws.

Salary : $23

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