Lead Night Shift Feed Mill Operator

Position Summary

The Feed Mill Operator Lead is responsible for providing hands-on leadership and coordination of feed manufacturing operations during the night shift. This role works alongside production employees while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality feed production. The Feed Mill Operator Lead serves as the primary point of contact for shift operations, directing workflow, supporting team members, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining production schedules while adhering to all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Coordination

• Provide daily leadership and direction to second-shift production employees.
• Assign and prioritize work to ensure production goals are achieved.
• Lead by example through active participation in daily mill operations.
• Train, coach, and mentor team members on safe operating procedures and best practices.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate production status, equipment concerns, and operational issues to management and the incoming shift.

Production Operations

• Operate feed manufacturing equipment including receiving, grinding, batching, pelleting, loadout, and ingredient handling systems as needed.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust workflow to meet customer demand and shipment requirements.
• Verify production activities are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Ensure proper sequencing and manufacturing procedures are followed.
• Monitor inventory levels of ingredients, medications, and packaging materials.
• Assist with loadout activities and customer service needs as required.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with feed quality standards, cGMPs, HACCP programs, FDA regulations, and company policies.
• Verify ingredient accuracy and batch integrity throughout the manufacturing process.
• Complete required production, quality, and regulatory documentation accurately and timely.
• Assist with investigations and corrective actions regarding quality concerns.
• Support audits and inspections from regulatory agencies and customers.

Safety

• Promote and enforce safe work practices and company safety policies.
• Conduct routine safety observations and communicate hazards promptly.
• Ensure employees utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in safety meetings, training programs, and incident investigations.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Equipment & Facility Maintenance

• Monitor equipment performance and identify maintenance needs.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance and minor repairs as trained.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel regarding equipment issues and downtime.
• Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained throughout the facility.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 1 year of feed manufacturing, grain handling, agricultural processing, or related production experience.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and strong communication skills.
• Ability to operate production equipment and computerized manufacturing systems.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred

• Previous lead, trainer, or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of feed manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Experience with pelleting, batching, loadout, and feed mill automation systems.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of feed quality, food/feed safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency for production systems and reporting.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, dust, noise, and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to safely work at heights and in confined spaces as required.
• Ability to wear required PPE including respirators, hearing protection, and safety equipment.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Safe operation of the facility and compliance with safety policies.
• Achievement of production and efficiency goals.
• Product quality and feed safety performance.
• Employee engagement, training, and teamwork.
• Effective communication between shifts and departments.
• Maintenance of housekeeping and regulatory compliance standards.

This position combines hands-on production responsibilities with front-line leadership to ensure the night shift operates safely, efficiently, and consistently delivers high-quality feed products to customers.