What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Lead- Finishing Department, 3rd Shift position at Malnove Packaging?
Family-Owned. Purpose-Driven.
At Malnove, we create packaging with care — and build meaningful careers.
Production Lead- Finishing Department, 3rd Shift (11pm-7am)
As a proudly independent, family-owned company with more than 75 years of industry leadership, Malnove is committed to creating an environment where people grow, teams thrive, and operational excellence is achieved every day.
We are currently seeking a Production Lead to lead and support our 3rd Shift operations in our Omaha, NE facility. This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing leader who is passionate about people development, production performance, safety, and continuous improvement. The Production Lead plays a key role in delivering quality, efficiency, and engagement by leading Associates with clarity, accountability, and respect.
What You’ll Do:
Lead Safe, Efficient Production
- Oversee daily department operations to ensure production targets, run speeds, make-ready times, and quality standards are consistently met.
- Communicate daily priorities, safety messages, quality updates, and company initiatives clearly to Associates.
- Ensure accurate timekeeping, scheduling, break management, and staffing alignment with production needs.
- Allocate labor and resources effectively while navigating obstacles and minimizing downtime.
- Collaborate with Department Managers to understand production costs, review job closeouts, and improve future runs.
- Monitor department inventory levels and equipment readiness.
- Partner with Maintenance to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve equipment issues while ensuring PMs are completed on time.
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas using 5S principles and a strong sense of ownership and pride.
Build and Develop High-Performing Teams
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team environment that supports engagement and retention.
- Address conflict promptly and appropriately using effective intervention techniques, documentation, and escalation when needed.
- Provide clear, objective, and meaningful performance feedback that balances accountability and development.
- Participate in interviews and contribute insight on candidate selection and team fit.
- Build rapport, motivate others, and empower Associates to succeed.
Train, Coach, and Grow Talent
- Partner with Department Managers and HR to support onboarding, and training progression
- Ensure completion and comprehension of all required safety, quality, and compliance training.
- Develop and execute cross-training plans to support coverage, flexibility, and skill growth.
Promote Safety, Quality, and Compliance
- Champion a strong safety culture by modeling safe behaviors and encouraging Associate participation.
- Ensure PPE usage, shift stretching, and timely incident reporting.
- Participate in safety investigations
- Apply company policies consistently, including documentation, coaching, and progressive discipline.
Drive Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities for improvement in processes, performance, safety, and engagement.
- Perform root cause analysis
- Evaluate data, risks, benefits, and costs to recommend sustainable solutions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to implement positive change.
What Sets You Apart
- Minimum 4 years of manufacturing experience, packaging experience strongly preferred
- Prior supervisory or lead experience strongly preferred
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment and operational issues
- Proficient with basic computer systems and production tools
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Solid math skills and attention to detail
- A leadership style grounded in respect, accountability, and teamwork
Why People Choose Malnove
At Malnove, leadership means more than hitting numbers — it means developing people, protecting safety, and doing the right thing. Many of our leaders have built long-term careers here because their work matters and their growth is supported.
A few of the benefits of joining our team:
- Competitive compensation (Note: the posted range reflects a general starting range for the position. Actual pay rate offered will be based on relevant factors including skills and experience.)
- Performance-based incentives
- 401(k) with company match
- Medical, dental, vision
- Company-paid life and short term disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Hands-on leadership development
- A proven track record of stability — zero layoffs in our history
About Malnove
Malnove is the largest independent folding carton manufacturer in the U.S., serving leading brands across food, beverage, consumer goods, and healthcare. Founded in 1948 and still family-owned today, we operate state-of-the-art facilities in Omaha, NE; Jacksonville, FL; and Salt Lake City, UT.
We’re driven by craftsmanship, innovation, and long-term partnerships — with our customers and with our people.
Malnove is a Drug-Free & Tobacco-Free Workplace
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay: $26.00 - $33.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 4% Match
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Packaging: 2 years (Preferred)
- Manufacturing : 4 years (Required)
- Supervising: 1 year (Required)
Shift availability:
- Overnight Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Omaha, NE 68137 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $26 - $33