Lead Production Operator

United Petfood Producers USA Inc.•Decatur, AR

4d•$0 - $28

About The Position

United Petfood Producers USA, Inc. is hiring a Production Lead for a full-time, overnight role. The position is responsible for packaging production safely, correctly, and efficiently, and for operating, troubleshooting, setting up, and disassembling packaging and processing equipment according to production needs, Standard Operating Procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Processing equipment and activities include grinding, batching, extrusion, drying, coating, and fresh meat operations. The Production Lead oversees safe and efficient operation on assigned production lines, supports production quality and food safety systems, and leads shift communication. The role also includes employee timekeeping and attendance administration, distributing paychecks and required PPE, and training and onboarding new hires. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM, with possible weekend coverage based on production needs and overtime as required.

Requirements

Understand plant process flow.
Read and understand English to communicate with supervisors and managers and comprehend work instructions.
Be dependable and able to work with minimal supervision.
Have forklift experience and/or certification.
Have a sound understanding of, experience with, or aptitude for packaging systems and conveying equipment.
Demonstrate mechanical aptitude.
Communicate effectively and positively, both orally and in writing.
Work well in teams and provide leadership when the Supervisor is absent.
Be willing to assume extended job responsibilities and exercise good judgment in decision-making.
Handle multiple projects within limited time frames and demonstrate excellent attention to detail.
Work according to the production schedule; overtime may be required.
Have sufficient computer skills to operate and adjust machines to meet product specifications.
Be able to lift 35–50 pounds; stand, walk, push or pull up to 50 pounds; reach overhead; and bend to the floor.
Have experience setting up and operating packaging and processing equipment.
Have experience with VideoJet printers.
Be trained in IFS, Wonderware, WMS, and Red Zone.
Have strong interpersonal and team-building skills and a safety, customer, and quality focus.

Nice To Haves

Some form of technical education emphasizing strong analytical thinking is preferred.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and disassemble packaging and processing equipment in accordance with scheduled production needs, SOPs, and GMPs.
Use equipment and tools to complete packaging and processing changeovers.
Maintain records and logs during packaging and processing, and complete quality checks in Red Zone.
Observe and ensure technicians maintain safe, efficient machine operation on production lines.
Follow and hold others accountable for following company GMPs.
Use Outlook 365 to send production updates and summaries to the leadership team.
Review and manage employee timecards, including time-off requests, required timekeeping documentation, and temporary employee timecards.
Monitor compliance with scheduled break and lunch times.
Distribute employee paychecks and required personal protective equipment.
Support attendance tracking by completing related documentation and write-ups, and assist with corrective action documentation as directed by the Area Manager.
Train and onboard new hires on job-specific tasks, safety practices, and production expectations.
Ensure the assigned production line runs smoothly and efficiently during the shift.
Lead shift huddles to communicate production goals, safety topics, and key updates.
Complete safety system documentation, verify compliance with program standards, and report deviations to the Supervisor.
Participate in required safety training, follow safety policies, and report safety issues, near misses, and injuries.
Complete quality and food safety system documentation, verify compliance with program standards, and report deviations to the Supervisor.
Participate in mandatory food safety and quality training; adhere to the Quality Policy Manual and BRC system policies and procedures; and take necessary actions to address system deficiencies or failures.
Perform other duties as assigned.