Job Summary:

• We are seeking an experienced Production  Lead  to lead our food processing operations. The Production Lead will be responsible for overseeing the daily production activities, ensuring that processes run smoothly, efficiently, and safely. This role is crucial in maintaining the quality of our products, meeting production targets, and adhering to all food safety and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling:

• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer demand and optimize resource utilization.
• Coordinate with sourcing, procurement, QEHS, and maintenance and HR teams to ensure human resource availability, raw material availability and equipment readiness.

Team Management:

• Lead, manage, and mentor production staff, including supervisors, inspectors and operators.
• Develop training programs to ensure staff competency and adherence to production and safety standards.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all products meet or exceed quality standards by working closely with the Quality Assurance (QEHS) team.
• Implement and monitor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve productivity.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to optimize production processes.

Health & Safety Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain a safe working environment by promoting a culture of safety and ensuring all employees follow safety protocols.

Cost Control:

• Manage production budgets, control costs, and strive to meet financial performance targets.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, downtime, and waste management.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Coordinate with the maintenance team to ensure machinery and equipment are properly maintained and running efficiently.
• Troubleshoot production issues and ensure timely resolution of equipment-related problems.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of production data, including outputs, downtimes, and inventory usage.
• Prepare and present regular production performance reports to senior management.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in production management, preferably in the food processing industry.
• Strong knowledge of food quality and safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, ISO 9001).
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team.
• Familiarity with production planning software and systems (e.g., ERP).
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma or, Kaizen.
• Knowledge of supply chain and inventory management in a food production environment.
• Certification in food safety management systems is a plus.