Production Lead; 1st Shift

Production Lead (1st Shift: 5:15 AM to 4:00 PM)

Join Richelieu Foods as a Production Lead on our 1st shift, 5:15 AM to 4:00 PM, in our Wheeling, Illinois manufacturing plant. Richelieu Foods, founded in 1862, specializes in private brand frozen and deli pizzas. We are dedicated to a culture of belonging, ownership, respect, and growth, prioritizing safety, quality, and customer relationships.

The Production Lead is a hands‑on role that leads the Production Team to achieve the highest levels of safety, quality, and performance. The Lead is cross‑trained in multiple tasks, supports the Production Supervisor, coaches associates, serves as an expert on processes, and provides training to new employees.

• Commit to safety procedures, GMPs, risk assessments, proactive safety improvements, and required PPE (chemical handling, hearing protection, lock‑out/tag‑out, harnesses, respiratory masks, etc.).
• Use, inspect, and care for vehicles, equipment, and tools including test equipment, lab equipment, industrial trucks, and production equipment.
• Demonstrate and train team members on proper safety techniques and protocols.
• Ensure all members complete required safety trainings on time and in full.
• Enter incidents and near‑misses into the Richelieu Foods safety database.
• Investigate safety incidents with leadership.
• Perform LOTO (employee level) on related production equipment.

• Complete internal Out of Specification procedures and policies.
• Identify and resolve quality and mechanical issues.
• Train new members on safety, quality, and production importance.
• Use GMP and maintain quality hygiene standards common in food manufacturing.

• Verify all lot and item numbers on materials brought to line.
• Read and track production schedules; recommend schedule changes.
• Complete line production and quality paperwork.
• Identify material over‑usage and help reduce waste.
• Demonstrate basic set‑up and operational knowledge of line equipment.
• Ensure line run rules (staffing to line maps), equipment settings, and run rates are followed.
• Assist Maintenance in diagnosing and repairing equipment.
• Promote safe work behaviors and act as safety team leader.
• Provide assistance and direction to line employees to maximize labor utilization.
• Report policy violations to management.
• Assist the Supervisor with staffing and training needs.
• Support the Supervisor with job duties.
• Complete EOS reporting per all guidelines.
• Communicate with Supervisor and other Line Leads during shift operations and changeovers.
• Notify Supervisor of all downtimes.
• Enforce all Food Safety PPE/GMP requirements and report concerns.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Supervisor.

• High school diploma; 2‑year technical degree a plus.
• Minimum of 2 years of manufacturing experience.
• Advanced computer competency (typing, web browser, Microsoft Office, tablets, iPads).
• Advanced critical thinking and troubleshooting, leading shift safely.
• Leadership experience highly desired; excellent interpersonal, conflict‑resolution, and development skills.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English for effective communication.
• Positive, proactive demeanor, strong teamwork, and commitment to excellence.
• Ability to communicate via 2‑way radio, Microsoft Teams, email, and phone.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to lead fairly, firmly, consistently.
• Ability to handle conflict in stressful situations while maintaining composure.
• Coaching ability to solve problems with production employees.
• Initiative and teamwork; sense of accountability.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Professional working relationship with employees.

• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ascend and descend stairs, ladders, and gangways frequently and work while standing continuously.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Work environment typically loud and cold (30‑35°F) on the floor.
• Spend 80‑90% of time on the factory floor.

Compensation ranges from $21.00 to $25.00 per hour and may include overtime. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre‑tax spending accounts; retirement benefits; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; short‑term and long‑term disability; and life insurance.

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.