Team Lead Production

The Hershey Company • Bluffton, IN

2d • $72,960 - $91,200 • Onsite

About The Position

The Team Lead Production oversees a team of subject matter experts or technical employees responsible for daily manufacturing operations within an assigned area of The Hershey Company’s Bluffton plant. The role translates short-term production goals into clear daily priorities, coordinates production and maintenance activities, and resolves routine operational challenges to support safe, high-quality, consistent output.

The position uses leadership practices such as scheduling, prioritization, coaching, and follow-up to support reliable execution and reinforce food quality, environmental, safety, and operating standards. It evaluates issues using available information, comparison of multiple factors, and established best practices to maintain stable operations and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or a high-speed, complex operating environment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work effectively across levels and interpret production performance information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Food manufacturing experience.
• SAP experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily production activities and assign work to maintain safe, efficient production flow within the assigned area.
• Communicate shift priorities and performance expectations, monitor progress, and address issues that could affect throughput, quality, cost, or safety.
• Provide day-to-day direction, work scheduling, coaching, and process guidance to subject matter experts and technical team members.
• Reinforce standard operating procedures and ensure consistent compliance with food quality, food safety, employee safety, environmental, and plant requirements.
• Coordinate with maintenance and other departments and shifts; document, prioritize, and follow up on maintenance notification requests in SAP PM.
• Confirm that employees are properly qualified, trained, and prepared to perform assigned work productively as individuals and as part of a team.
• Support labor staffing decisions in alignment with planned staffing and operational needs, including verification of employee time records.
• Enter and review operational information in SAP, check quality documentation, interpret production performance reports, and follow up on exceptions and opportunities.
• Resolve routine operational issues by researching relevant information, comparing contributing factors, and applying established best practices.
• Promote continuous improvement by encouraging ideas, identifying opportunities, and supporting practical actions that improve plant performance.

Benefits

• Performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support physical, mental, and financial well-being, as applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED