Production Lead - VA

Job Title: Production Lead

Reports to: Prep Lead/Production Supervisor

Location: Stafford, VA

Job Type: Full-time/Non-Exempt

Business

Hours:

Vary by role

Pay Range: $17.00 - $19.00/hr depending on the role

Warabeya North America is a leading food manufacturer specializing in high-quality fresh and ready-to-eat food products. As part of the global Warabeya Nichiyo Group headquartered in Japan, we are dedicated with years of food innovation with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Our North American operations are growing, offering a collaborative, fast-paced environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and growth together with the company.

The Production Prep Associate is responsible for preparing, measuring, weighing, cutting, sorting, and staging ingredients and materials used in the food production process. This position supports the production team by ensuring that ingredients are properly prepared and available according to production schedules, recipes, specifications, and food safety requirements. The Production Prep Associate is expected to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area while following all Company policies, food safety procedures, production standards, and workplace safety requirements.

• Ensure products and materials are prepared and processed according to established procedures, production specifications, and daily production schedules
• Verify that ingredients and materials are weighed, measured, and used according to production specifications
• Monitor materials and products for quality and conformance to specifications
• Identify and report damaged, expired, contaminated, or otherwise unacceptable materials or products to the supervisor
• Properly label, date, and store prepared ingredients and materials
• Ensure production processes follow established specifications and procedures
• Follow production instructions and notify the supervisor of any discrepancies or shortages
• Ensure production personnel have the materials and supplies needed to maintain workflow
• Operate designated production equipment safely and properly, as needed
• Clean and sanitize production equipment, utensils, work surfaces, containers, and other assigned areas
• Follow established cleaning and sanitation schedules and procedures
• Properly handle and store cleaning chemicals and sanitation supplies
• Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, allergen control, and personal hygiene requirements applicable to the position
• Prevent cross-contamination and allergen cross-contact by following established procedures
• Complete required production, preparation, temperature, sanitation, and other records accurately
• Maintain an organized and efficient production area throughout the production process
• Minimize product and material waste and promote efficient use of resources
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, food safety concerns, or quality issues promptly
• Follow all Company safety policies and procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Work cooperatively with Production Associates, Kitchen Associates, Supervisors, and other team members

• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities of this role as needed to meet business requirements.

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• English proficiency in both oral and written
• Previous experience in food preparation, food production, commercial kitchen, restaurant, or manufacturing environment preferred
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment
• Ability to use a scale and other basic preparation equipment
• Basic math proficiency
• Works well with others and is helpful, respectful, and team-oriented
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays
• Ability to follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements
• Ability to maintain professional and respectful work environment
• Ability to work onsite (remote work is not an option)
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time the employment begins and must not require sponsorship for employment visa status. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization.

• Work is primarily performed in an indoor…