Production Group Leader in Birmingham

The Group Leader will set up, inspect, operate, monitor and clean equipment in order to produce products for sale in a highly efficient manner while maintaining the highest level of product quality and minimizing waste. Operate all line equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Assist in managing production department by delegating job assignments to the line crew. Provides support to the Department Supervisor, Department Superintendent and Department Manager.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the effort to operate the production lines by providing support, guidance, and leadership to production personnel.
• Ensure that tasks assigned to personnel on the line are completed.
• Take a proactive approach to handling problems.
• Work and communicate with the Processing Supervisor to coordinate the daily activities of the B&L, oils, ILS and spice room department including staffing, rework, ingredients, helping to adjust batches monitoring packaging activities, spice room weighing, and monitoring processing activities.
• Comply with and ensure that all employees are working in a safe manner and that they comply with GMP, standard operating procedures (SOPs), applicable safety procedures, process safety management procedures, company policies, and quality policies and procedures.
• Work closely with production supervisors to address issues and problems.
• Monitor and review all reports for the process and packaging line.
• Operate the equipment to maintain the operation within the established parameters.
• Document parameters and report incidents where the process is not within established parameters.
• Document corrective action and preventative action.
• Ensure that all reports are completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Prior to start up check equipment for maintenance issues and to ensure that the equipment is properly set up.
• Perform minor adjustments to equipment, as needed.
• Inspect the equipment per the requirements of the pre-op inspection checklist.
• Ensure that corrective action is completed and documented if required prior to start up.
• Participates in the training and evaluation of new hires, part-time employees, temporary personnel and successful bidders.
• Be able to work different shifts to cover for absent employees, as needed.
• Communicate with all departments and all shifts any issues.
• Update production board to show current schedule status at shift end.
• Work with all departments to ensure good operations, quality, and safety for all.
• Work with production supervisors to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Report to the Supervisor all items that need repair.
• Responsible for assuring compliance with all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• 3-5 years of experience.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred; experience operating lift equipment preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Reading and math skills are required to perform the job; be computer literate.
• Must be qualified as a machine operator on production areas (as defined by production manager) meeting all qualifications of a Process Operator; possesses mechanical aptitude and good hand and eye coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to interpret and relay information effectively.
• Requires problem solving skills as well as the ability to apply sound decision making skills to daily situations.
• Ability to work and coach cooperatively and constructively with all employees is required.
• Must be able to identify and report any food safety and food security concerns.

Physical Demands:

All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required.

Work Environment:

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity; be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.