Production Team Lead

River Valley Holdings is a family-owned distribution company based in Syracuse, NY, serving retail customers across the northeastern United States. The River Valley family of companies: River Valley Foods and Cavallaro Foods, distributes a wide range of specialty dry and frozen grocery items and consumable products out of warehouses in Syracuse, NY.

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, proactive Production Lead to oversee daily production line operations and drive safe, efficient, and high-quality output. This role provides leadership on the production floor by guiding team members, supporting equipment operation, resolving first-level issues, and ensuring compliance with all safety, food safety, and quality standards.

As a key connection between production staff and management, the Production Lead promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. This position works directly with food ingredients, including major allergens such as sesame, tree nuts, soy, and wheat.


Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 2:45pm

Wages:

• $25.00 - $28.00 per hour, depending on experience

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities to achieve output, quality, and safety goals.


• Coordinate line start-ups, changeovers, and shutdowns to minimize downtime.


• Operate and monitor production equipment (filling, sealing, labeling, case packing).


• Ensure all production records—including weights, lot codes, and sanitation checks—are accurate and complete.


• Partner with QA to address deviations, product holds, and corrective actions.


• Assign tasks and provide clear direction to production associates.


• Coach, train, and motivate team members to meet performance expectations.


• Address minor performance or attendance issues, escalating when necessary.


• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and teamwork.


• Enforce GMPs, HACCP, and all food safety and sanitation requirements.


• Promote safe work practices and participate in safety programs.


• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and company regulations.


• Maintain production line documentation and support audits and investigations.


• Analyze performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvements.


• Collaborate with maintenance, QA, and other departments on cross-functional initiatives.


• Participate in the development and maintenance of SOPs and workflow policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Minimum of 3 years of experience in production or food manufacturing.


• Demonstrated leadership experience (team lead, line lead, or similar).


• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.


• Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, and general food safety standards.


• Experience with production management or inventory control software.


• Proven success in supporting productivity, efficiency, and continuous improvement efforts.

Career Path

This position offers strong advancement potential. With strong leadership performance, the Production Lead may be promoted to Production Supervisor.

Benefits: 

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: 

• Flexible Paid Time Off 


• Company paid holidays 


• Health, prescription, and dental insurance 


• Life and disability insurance  


• Supplemental insurances 


• 401 (k) with company match


• Employee assistant program  


• Employee purchase program 

River Valley Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)