Seasonal Wet Prep Lead

OFI is a global leader offering naturally good food & beverage ingredients and solutions. At the forefront of consumer trends, we provide manufacturers and retailers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is part of that delight. From plant to palate, we take care of the ingredients. We are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply.

We add value through our unique manufacturing footprint and natural, delicious and nutritious products. Our fresh ideas help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices to create naturally healthy and delicious food & beverage products. Whoever we're with, whatever we're doing, we always make it real.

Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the Wet Prep Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day operations for the Milling area. The ideal candidate will have the responsibility to achieve productivity, efficiency, cost, quality and safety objectives through both individual and team contributions. Provide direction, leadership, development and support to associates through empowerment, teamwork, continuous improvement projects and initiatives. Must be dependable, a team player and have good communication skills.

• Develop and instruct employees on work assignments for shift to ensure safety, quality and production goals are met.
• Maintain daily dryer control sheets with accurate input and legible handwriting.
• Ensure Food Safety standards are met by performing required checks and documentation.
• Identify and communicate issues in the receiving and wet prep process and work to resolve in a timely manner.
• Teach and train all personnel in the safe and sanitary operation of the plant and equipment.
• Monitor operation and make recommendations allowing department to safely operate at maximum efficiency with a focus on quality.
• Regularly monitor and adjust equipment to ensure quality and quantity standards are met.
• Communicate any out of specification product to QA.
• Supervise and direct plant sanitation on wet prep and receiving areas.
• Report any employee performance issues to Production Supervisor.
• Inform Maintenance and/or Production Supervisor of any suspected machinery problems.
• Supervise and direct the knife sharpener on replacing and sharpening knives.
• Ensure process operators are performing blancher checks and making any adjustments that are needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalency desired
• 1 - 3 years' experience in onion dehydration or a food industry environment
• 6 months experience in a leadership role preferred
• Knowledge of quality standards and sanitation procedures
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Knowledge of basic math and measurement principles.
• Ability to work under pressure and make difficult decisions during critical situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, management and department leads.
• Ability to become forklift, pallet jack and scissor lift certified.
• Ability to wear Personal protective equipment.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds consistently.
• Capable of operating all equipment and machinery required of the job.
• Strong team player - good communication, follow-up skills, attention to detail and the ability to train others.
• Must be available to work extended days and hours during the production season (approximately September through February).