Lead Tea Maker & Floor Captain - Kitchen Production Manager FT

Piper and Leaf Tea Co.•Lacey's Spring, AL

111d•Onsite

About The Position

At Piper & Leaf Tea Co., you are the Team Captain of our Tea blending and manufacturing operations. As the Lead Tea Maker & Floor Captain, you are the critical link between raw, artisanal ingredients and the final product that our guests love. You balance the delicate art of tea blending with the rigorous science of production efficiency. Your purpose is to "Serve the Joy" by ensuring that every batch of tea meets our uncompromising quality standards, that our production machinery runs flawlessly, and that your team operates in a safe and accountable environment. You are entrusted with our most closely guarded proprietary recipes and are responsible for executing the daily game plan to keep our shops and fulfillment team fully stocked, aligning daily execution with long-term company objectives. The Production Manager will report directly to the Production Director and support the Piper & Leaf’s commitment to Serve the Joy.

Requirements

Must possess or be willing to immediately complete the ServSafe Manager Certification.
Proficiency in computer systems and inventory management tools is required.
Ability to stand and walk for long periods (entire shifts) on hard surfaces (e.g., concrete floors).
Must be able to safely relocate loads up to 60 lbs independently. This involves pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying heavy inventory (bulk tea sacks, large ingredient bins).
Frequent ascending/descending of ladders, stairs, and ramps.
Frequent rotation and use of wrists, spine, and upper extremities.
Precision work is required around fast-moving equipment, requiring excellent hand-eye coordination.
Must distinguish, with high accuracy, differences in intensity or quality of flavors and odors for quality control.
Must visually differentiate accurately between similar tools, ingredients, and resources.
Ability to comfortably work in an environment with high levels of airborne botanical particulates.
Safely working in manufacturing environments involving hot equipment, moving mechanical parts, industrial cleaning chemicals, varying warehouse temperatures, and other risk factors.
Flexibility for morning and afternoon shifts.
Ability to attend and participate in required leadership meetings and off-site training sessions.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with working in a food production, brewery, or agricultural environment is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Meticulously blend tea according to company standards and precise ratios, maintaining confidentiality regarding proprietary recipes and processes.
Perform regular quality control checks on raw ingredients and finished blends, identifying inconsistencies in flavor, aroma, or visual composition before they reach the customer.
Actively monitor ingredient usage to minimize waste and maximize yield without cutting corners on quality.
Own the operation of the tea bagger/enveloper and other essential production machinery.
Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues, perform regular cleaning and maintenance on the equipment, and coordinate with outside vendors for major repairs.
Train, schedule, and supervise the production staff, empowering the team and teaching them the "why" behind processes.
Work closely with the leadership team to develop and implement structured training programs for all staff.
Lead by example to balance a supportive workspace with professional accountability, holding the team to Piper & Leaf's Code of Conduct and quality standards.
Conduct weekly check-ins to communicate the production game plan, address bottlenecks, and celebrate team wins.
Manage inventory levels of raw botanicals, teas, and packaging materials.
Conduct regular, highly accurate physical audits of ingredients and finished products.
Forecast production needs and communicate timely supply shortages to the procurement team, providing enough lead time to prevent manufacturing delays.
Ensure all batch tracking, inventory reporting, and production logs are filled out accurately and consistently.
Collaborate closely with the Production and Farm Director, as well as the Fulfillment and Sales teams, to manage the overall production schedule.
Ensure daily goals align perfectly with broader company objectives and business demands.
Provide regular updates, performance metrics, and operational insights directly to leadership, keeping them informed of floor realities.
Actively pursue an understanding of Piper & Leaf operations, consistently bringing fresh ideas to leadership on how to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety.