Processing Lead; 3rd Shift

Midwest Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Processing Lead based in Murfreesboro, TN.

Murfreesboro is a high performing, multi-platform non‑union facility with over 300 employees leading safe, high‑quality production of a wide range of dairy products. This site supports the Midwest Yogurt business across over 10 production lines. The Processing Lead will direct shift processing output on the manufacturing floor. The role is hands‑on, leading the shift, directing operators, owning data accuracy, and troubleshooting operational breakdowns or bottlenecks.

• Lead and direct shift operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant dairy manufacturing processes.
• Drive and execute Project Blackhat initiatives, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule and aligned with plant performance objectives.
• Champion all SAP data entry as the SME, owning the oversight of system accuracy for production, inventory, and BOM accuracy.
• Monitor and verify processing schedules, adjusting staffing and resources to meet daily output targets.
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members while promoting accountability and engagement.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSSC and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Investigate production issues, quality concerns, and equipment downtime, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, and Planning teams to optimize operational performance and product flow.
• Review production metrics, yield performance, labor efficiency, and waste reduction opportunities, communicating results to processing leadership.
• Conduct shift handoff meetings, safety discussions, and daily direction setting with processing teams.
• Ensure all sampling and testing procedures for the shift are completed for the Lactalis GMP initiative.
• Verify completion and accuracy of production documentation, pasteurization charts, CIP verification logs, and all other associated documents.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost reduction, process optimization, and employee safety.
• Serve as the primary leadership contact during the assigned shift, ensuring timely communication, issue escalation, and successful shift handoff to incoming leadership.
• Fill in as necessary if the shift falls below minimum staffing requirements.

• 5+ years of experience within a manufacturing environment, preferably food processing, with a preference for experience leading a manufacturing team.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing principles, GMPs, and relevant quality control regulations.
• Experience with processing equipment and testing methodologies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to flex work schedule when required to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including weekend and holiday work, and/or on‑call support as directed by the processing management team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Lactalis offers a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. Insurance costs are significantly subsidized, retirement plans contributions are generous, and Paid Time Off is available from day one. Training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement, are provided to support professional growth.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against applicants on the basis of veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disabilities. Any division of the Company that is an affirmative action employer will comply with all related legal obligations.