Production Team Lead - Ice Cream Manufacturing
About The Position
Salt & Straw is looking for Production Associates to support our Central Kitchen of Oregon (CKOR) production facility located in Portland’s Central Eastside. The Production Associate III is a lead-level position on the Spin team with expanded experience, skills, and responsibilities beyond those of Production Associate I and II team members. This role plays a key part in supporting production planning, maintaining product quality, leading team members on the floor, and ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate execution of daily production goals. Production Associate III team members also serve as a backup to the Supervisor and help coach, guide, and support team members throughout the production process.
Requirements
- At least 1 year of experience working in commercial food preparation, manufacturing, production, or warehouse environments
- A minimum of 6 months machine operating experience
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality standards
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Excellent communication skills and ability to bring hospitality into daily interactions
- Enjoy coaching, leading, and motivating team members
- Comfortable working with people of all backgrounds and identities
- Can uphold high standards of safety, sanitation, efficiency, and service quality
- Proficient operating a wide range of commercial kitchen and production equipment
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Nice To Haves
- 2 years of experience working in commercial food preparation, manufacturing, production, or warehouse environments
- 1 year of machine operating experience
Responsibilities
- Lead, communicate, and support the Spin Team to meet daily production goals safely, cleanly, and efficiently
- Provide hands-on guidance to team members while modeling best practices for equipment operation, recipe execution, and work order accuracy
- Review daily production schedules and work orders to support production planning, prioritization, and labor delegation
- Monitor product quality from raw ingredients through finished goods and address issues promptly
- Ensure compliance with GMPs, sanitation standards, and food safety practices across the Spin Team
- Prepare production areas by confirming ingredients, equipment, and materials are clean, organized, and production-ready
- Review pull logs and verify accuracy before production begins
- Communicate with team members regarding lot codes, FIFO organization, expiration dates, and product labeling accuracy
- Train and retrain team members on equipment operation, production methods, organization, and safety practices
- Reinforce and communicate updated policies and procedures to ensure operational consistency
- Promptly communicate personnel or production concerns to the Spin Supervisor
- Support break and meal period compliance while serving as backup to the Supervisor as needed
Benefits
- Optional access to earned wages before payday
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off
- Sick Leave
- Twelve paid holidays annually
- Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
- Career growth opportunities
- Up to $1,800/year in education reimbursement for eligible programs
- 30% discount on handmade ice cream and merchandise
- Accident insurance
- Critical illness insurance
- Hospital indemnity insurance
- Commuter benefits
- Pet insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
