2nd Shift Production Lead: Food Manufacturing

Job Location:

Lexington, NC 27262

Position Type:
Full Time

Salary Range: $25.00 - $26.00 Hourly

Job Shift: 2nd Shift

Job Category:
Manufacturing

2nd Shift Production Lead – Food Manufacturing

Location:

Lexington, NC

Shift: 4:00 pm to 2:30 am, Mon-Thurs (Sometimes Fridays)

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Pay: $25-$26/hr (based on experience)

We've been crafting nostalgic American candy for over 130 years — best known for our iconic Red Bird peppermint puffs. We're not a startup, but we think like one when it comes to modernizing our operations. We've invested heavily in automation, cleaner production processes, and technology-driven systems, and we're building the team to match.

We're looking for an experienced Production Lead or Shift Lead to take ownership of our 2nd shift kitchen operations. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll guide a team of operators, oversee automated mixing and batching systems, and keep production running safely, consistently, and efficiently.

This is not a restaurant job. We're looking for candidates with a background in food manufacturing, batch processing, chemical processing, or industrial production, people who understand production flow, equipment oversight, and how to lead a team on the floor.

• Lead, coach, and hold accountable a team of kitchen operators and candy technicians
• Set clear performance expectations and drive a culture of ownership and accountability
• Build and maintain a positive, safety-first work environment

• Oversee batching, mixing, and ingredient flow to support downstream production lines
• Ensure the right materials, quantities, and sequences are in place to meet production targets
• Monitor automated systems and equipment performance throughout the shift
• Troubleshoot production issues in real time; coordinate with maintenance when needed

• Operate within a highly automated kitchen environment — less manual labor, more systems thinking
• Identify and resolve process disruptions, equipment inconsistencies, or quality deviations
• Apply knowledge of batch processing, cooking behavior, or food science to maintain product consistency

• Enforce GMPs, PPE requirements, and food safety standards across the shift
• Ensure batch consistency, temperatures, and quality checks meet specifications
• Maintain accurate batch records and documentation; support audit readiness

• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve throughput, and streamline workflows
• Partner cross‑functionally with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations leadership on improvement initiatives

We know most candidates won't have candy-making experience — that's fine. We hire for leadership, mechanical aptitude, and manufacturing know-how. If you can run a team and troubleshoot a process, we can teach you the rest.

• Food manufacturing (bakery, beverage, dairy, snack, protein, co‑manufacturing, etc.)
• Batch processing or chemical/industrial processing environments
• Manufacturing operations with automated or semi‑automated systems
• Experience overseeing mixing, cooking, blending, or batching processes

• 2+ years of team lead, supervisor, or shift lead experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills — you stay calm and think clearly when things go sideways
• Comfort operating in and adapting to automated production environments
• Solid understanding of production flow, scheduling, and process sequencing
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, continuously improving environment

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (a plus for team communication — not…