Area Leader, Plant

The J.M. Smucker Co.•Orrville, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a high-visibility, hands-on leadership opportunity where you’ll directly influence the day-to-day performance of a critical production area. As the Area Leader, you’ll set the standard for safety, quality, and reliability across all shifts—translating priorities into action, removing barriers for your teams, and ensuring the line delivers consistently in a fast-paced 24/7 operation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required, concentration in engineering is preferred
A minimum of 1 year of manufacturing experience required
Strong troubleshooting skills is required
A minimum of 1 year of people management experience in an operations environment required
Knowledge of process safety and manufacturing safety protocols is required
Knowledge of mechanical and maintenance processes
Experience managing, leading, and influencing teams
Strong organizational, planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Effective presentation, verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food, beverage, or pharmaceuticals is preferred
Willingness to work a schedule that most effectively supports the organization. This could include beginning the workday at 6:00 am in support of Daily Direction Setting meeting
Ability to work with the manufacturing leadership team, technicians, engineers, equipment manufacturers, vendors, and construction/equipment contractors
Ability to work independently
Ability to train technicians and explain difficult technical material in a way that is understood and executed
Ability to flex to off shift as needed to support production
Perform their roles and responsibilities in a safe manner

Responsibilities

Manage a team of 36 hourly technicians across 3 shifts and supports a department that runs a 24/5 operating schedule.
Own the safety, quality, and reliability of a production line across all shifts.
Manage 3 team leaders and multiple functional leaders on the teams
Plan and executes the team’s work plans
Hold team accountable to individual and team responsibilities
Has the ability to direct engineering projects from conception through completion
Act as a key member of the department leadership team
Work closely with managers, plant engineering, and technicians to solve problems and improve the department
Identify losses and develops plans and strategies to eliminate losses in the areas of safety, quality, reliability, and cost
Develop technician skills within department to include new hires all the way up to team leaders
Work closely with a process engineer and maintenance coordinators to improve the results of the production lines
Provide support throughout other parts of the plant as needed on a daily basis
Own a safety key element for the plant
Achieve and improves scorecard results for the department
Act as a safety role model at all times
Monitor progress of technician’s step-up cards
Meet or exceed process reliability targets