Production Operator, Team Lead

Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.

Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, Sun Gro.

Role: Production Operator, Team Lead

Job Summary:

The Production Operator is responsible for adhering to all plant safety policies and procedures while working as part of a team to ensure operational efficiency. This role supports finished goods readiness for transportation by coordinating product flow, inspecting quality, and maintaining safe, organized storage and loading practices. The position requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow safety, quality, and shipping requirements in a plant environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Strictly adhere to all plant safety practices, codes, procedures, and programs
• Coordinate finished product on the bagging line to eliminate downtime and support operational efficiency
• Visually inspect every pallet of finished goods to ensure proper packaging and quality before moving to storage or loading; immediately notify the Team Leader or Production Manager of any issues
• Understand and accurately complete bills of lading and loading sheets
• Load product in required patterns and configurations to ensure stability during transit
• Ensure all incoming materials are properly packaged and undamaged when unloading trucks; immediately notify the Team Leader, Quality Control, or Production Manager of any issues
• Place all required safety devices (wheel chocks, safety chains, loading plates, etc.) on trailers being worked on
• Follow FLRA (risk assessment) rules and regulations related to safety audits
• Store finished goods in a timely and organized manner and keep storage areas clean
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• 3 years of manufacturing experience in an industrial plant
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited program
• Forklift operation experience; loader experience preferred
• Strong customer focus with the ability to balance customer and business needs
• Ability to establish plans, set clear and measurable goals, anticipate challenges, and adjust as needed
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and operational procedures
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to work in a plant environment with moderate to loud noise levels
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods, perform occasional bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Professional, dependable, and safety-focused
  
  

This is a safety sensitive position.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (includes teledoc, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Spending Account
• Employee Support and Mental Wellness
• Short term disability
• 401k Match
• Paid vacation
• Floating days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Engagement Events
• Awards and Recognition
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards
• Employee Perks & Discounts