Area Lead Food Manufacturing

Lead the Line. Set the Standard. Make an Impact. Area Lead – Production Operations At Sandridge Crafted Foods, our success starts on the production floor—and that’s where Area Leads shine. If you’re a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves coaching teams, and takes pride in safety, quality, and results, this role was made for you. As an Area Lead, you’ll be the go-to leader in your area—coaching, training, and driving performance while keeping people safe, food protected, and production running on target.

You won’t be stuck behind a desk—this is a floor-focused leadership role where your presence makes the difference every day.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• People Safety
  • Ensuring hazard assessments are completed
  • Enforcing PPE compliance and safe work practices
• Food Safety & Quality
  • Driving GMP and HACCP compliance
  • Monitoring food safety checklists and addressing deviations
• Production Excellence
  • On-time start-ups and schedule completion
  • Minimizing downtime and avoiding quality violations
  • Keeping the line running efficiently using Red Zone and real-time data

• Be a constant, visible leader on the production floor
• Coach, train, and support team members to meet safety, quality, and production goals
• Ensure PPE, GMPs, IOS standards, and schedules are followed
• Fully understand and safely operate all equipment in your area—from setup to shutdown
• Jump in and run equipment as needed to cover breaks, call-offs, or vacations
• Troubleshoot issues, remove obstacles, and keep production on track
• Coordinate breaks and lunches to maximize line efficiency
• Accurately document production activities, downtime, and food safety records
• Communicate in real time with leadership regarding staffing, maintenance needs, safety concerns, and schedule changes
• Train new hires on equipment, safety, HACCP, and line procedures
• Keep your area clean, organized, and audit-ready at all times
• Lead by example—setting the standard for safety, food quality, and performance

• What We’re Looking For
  • Previous machine operating experience, including setup and troubleshooting
  • Proven ability to lead and motivate a team
  • Comfortable using basic computer systems and production software
  • A positive, solutions-focused attitude
  • Willingness to challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement
  • Strong multitasking and decision-making skills
  • Experience with Dozuki training tools is a plus
  • A true champion for people's safety and food safety
  • Flexibility to work varying start/end times and weekends

• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and move throughout the plant for 8–12-hour shifts
• Frequent bending, squatting, reaching, pushing, and pulling
• Ability to lift up to 65 lbs
• Comfortable working in cold or wet environments and around loud machinery
• Strong hand-eye coordination required

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree or trade certification preferred
• Working knowledge of GMPs and safe food handling practices
• Understanding of plant safety rules and procedures
• Lean manufacturing or process flow experience preferred

Compensation: $20.28 - $21.78 hourly