Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

Senior Lead Manufacturing Specialist provides advanced leadership and strategic oversight across multiple production lines or departments. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and mentoring frontline leaders. The Senior Lead plays a key role in aligning plant operations with business goals, leading cross-functional initiatives, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Essential Job Duties/Key Accountabilities

1. Safety Leadership: Champions a proactive safety culture by leading SAFE process initiatives, coaching teams on best practices for personnel and food safety and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and internal safety standards.
2. Operational Oversight: Oversees multiple production areas, ensuring adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and staffing plans. Coordinates with planning, maintenance, and quality teams to optimize throughput and minimize downtime.
3. Team Development & Leadership: Provides mentorship and guidance to Lead Specialists and frontline supervisors. Owns development plans, performance reviews, and succession planning. Facilitates cross-shift communication and ensures consistent leadership presence across operations.
4. Strategic Problem Solving: Leads root cause analysis and resolution of complex production issues. Utilizes lean tools, A3 thinking, and data-driven decision-making to drive sustainable improvements.
5. Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensures compliance with GMP, HACCP, and customer audit requirements. Partners with QA and sanitation teams to uphold high standards of cleanliness, documentation, and product integrity.
6. Continuous Improvement: Drives plant-wide CI initiatives, leveraging lean manufacturing principles and the Basic Way tools. Identifies and implements value-added projects that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve employee engagement.
7. Emergency & Policy Response: Acts as the senior on-shift authority for emergency response, policy enforcement, and incident resolution. Coordinates with HR and leadership on investigations and corrective actions.

Education & Experience

A bachelor's degree and have 5-7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing systems, lean tools, and ERP platforms (e.g., IFS, SAP).
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of workplace safety, GMP, and food safety regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and reporting systems.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to heat, humidity, and noise.
• Must be able to lift/move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and respond to off-hours emergencies as needed.

Food and Workplace Safety Requirements

• Upholds all principles of the SQF Food Safety Code.
• Immediately reports any food safety, quality, or workplace safety concerns to management.

DISCLAIMER: Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

At BAF, we are an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and strive to create a supportive and inclusive community of individuals committed to helping each other and our company thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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