Production Team Lead- 2nd shift - San Leandro, CA

The Production Team Lead, under the direction of the Production Supervisor, is responsible for indirectly leading an assigned production team which consists of diverse machine operators and packers. Responsibilities include but are not limited to; staffing, training, projects, decision making and problem solving issues, situations that arise on the production line or with in the plant and ensuring accurate production reporting and appropriate paperwork is completed accurately and timely.

This position, by ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures, is responsible for recommending, developing, implementing and managing safety, quality and food safety on all product lines while ensuring results and department goals. This is a full time union position with 5-7 work days per week and requires shift flexibility.

Safety

• Partner with Shift Supervisor to ensure Safety goals and objectives are understood and met.
• Train staff in safety procedures and accident prevention.
• Follow and enforce all company policies and safety procedures and ensure safety concerns are being resolved.
• Support investigations to identify root cause analysis of accidents and implement appropriate remediation to reduce lost time accidents in all departments

• Improve product quality by proactively assisting a cross functional team in identifying issues, analyzing root cause with data and defining action steps to prevent future errors, by using continuous improvement tools (RCA, 5Why's, 5S, Fishbone, Kaizen).
• Ensure that sanitation and housekeeping of assigned areas meet Ghirardelli Standards as well as all regulatory requirements.
• Enforce Ghirardelli's GMP rules and follow COP's and HACCP.
• Follow existing Master Sanitation, Weight Control, Food Safety PM's and quality programs.
• Ensure all designated Quality Checks are performed at the required frequency and that documentation is in order.
• Improve quality procedures by applying the quality standards.
• Participate in and support quality audits.

• Set expectations and priorities, monitor performance and provide feedback to employees.
• Develop employee skill sets through coaching and on-job training.
• Identify and assist in training needs of operators, and participate in development of training programs when required.
• Provide constructive and positive feedback to support continuous improvement of operators
• Actively listen, communicate often, resolve conflict diplomatically, maintain trust and respect, and create a work environment that maintains a high level of morale within the team.
• Schedule and assign productive work duties for all of the team members.

• Engage operators to support LPW by applying continuous improvement tools proactively and in response to corrective actions.
• Ensure proper equipment operating conditions and capabilities are within standards.
• Review and monitor the performance of lines through PCS process to develop corrective actions to reduce the seven forms of waste.
• Monitor rework and waste and provide input to develop waste reduction initiatives.
• Analyze chocolate production processes and use root cause analysis to resolve problems and ensure improved manufacturing capabilities.
• Interact and communicate clearly with cross functional teams including maintenance, warehouse, engineering, sanitation and R&D
• Continuously develop chocolate manufacturing knowledge, experience and training.
• Create and edit Standard Operating Procedures, One Point Lesson Plans, work aids and other production documents.

• Execute production
• Regulate/monitor material flow and material usage.
• Enter production numbers while fully understanding PCS KPI's.

• Understand the collective bargaining agreement and House Rules and assist and escalate employees with questions.
• Enforce Ghirardelli safety rules, regulations and procedures and provide feedback to employees.

• Work in close conjunction with the area supervisor, communicating & planning on resolving current issues, avoiding potential problems, and following up on special projects.
• Moderate level computer skills
• Mathematical aptitude.
• Verifies that product specifications are within tolerance.
• Takes corrective action in resolving problems, basing the decisions to be made on the business needs.
• Involved in coaching, supporting, and training new and existing team members.
• Available to work overtime and weekends.
• Must be well organized, a self-starter, motivated and a good time manager, and a proactive planner.
• An excellent attendance and safety record is required.
• Excellent product and technical
• Ability to effectively communicate clearly to all levels of the organization both orally and in writing.
• The ability to work well under pressure and be a proactive planner
• Strong and fair leadership ability.
• Is a capable trainer and teacher.
• Problem solving and decision making skills.
• Must be able to manage people and multiple lines of equipment.
• Outstanding process flow knowledge.

Education and Work Experience

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or GED
• At least 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a history of consistently good performance exceeding job expectations and acting as a role model for other employees.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook and Power Point)
• Previous experience working with automated machinery
• Chocolate knowledge not necessary, but preferred
• Previous experience or exposure to Lean Manufacturing tools and 5S
• Ability to run reports and accurately complete appropriate & necessary paperwork

Pay: $31.88/hour