Lead I - 1st Shift

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Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Position Summary

The Production Lead is responsible for coordinating and supporting daily production activities to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency goals are achieved. This role provides guidance and direction to production team members, monitors workflow, troubleshoots production issues, and serves as a liaison between team members and management.

Your Opportunity

Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:

• Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $23.90/hour
• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits, and More.
• Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements

 

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities to meet production schedules and customer requirements.
• Assign work tasks and monitor employee performance throughout the shift.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor product quality and ensure adherence to company standards and specifications.
• Train, mentor, and support production employees on processes, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
• Identify and address production issues, equipment concerns, and workflow bottlenecks.
• Communicate production goals, expectations, and updates to team members.
• Complete production documentation, reports, and shift records accurately and timely.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality assurance, and warehouse teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and reduce waste.
• Assist with performance feedback and employee development activities.
• Ensure proper housekeeping and organization of the production area.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2-5 years of production experience required.
• Previous leadership or team lead experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Ability to motivate employees and foster a positive work environment.
• Working knowledge of production processes, quality systems, and safety regulations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production tracking systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including noise, heat, or cold, depending on the facility.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing or production facility environment.
• May require overtime, weekend work, or shift flexibility to support operational needs.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production output and efficiency
• Product quality metrics
• Safety performance
• Attendance and workforce utilization
• Downtime reduction
• On-time order completion
• Employee training and development

The Production Lead plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations while supporting employee engagement and continuous improvement efforts.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. 

 

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.