Lead Hand

Production Lead Hand

‍Company

Natra Chocolate America

Budget entity

$22-$26/hr

Department

Production

Location

London, Ontario (2800 Roxburgh Rd, London ON N6N 1K9 (South of 401)

Immediate supervisor

Production Manager

Equipment and items

Key fob, uniforms

Travel

Minimal

Position purpose

The Production Lead Hand supervises, coordinates, and schedules production workers to meet output targets and quality standards. The role includes training staff, addressing work and safety issues, monitoring performance, and supporting efficient plant-floor operations.

Qualifications and experience

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• 1–2 years of supervisory experience in food processing or food packaging.

• Demonstrated ability to motivate, train, appraise, and supervise employees.

• Direct working knowledge of operations, warehousing, and transportation management.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

Skills and working requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with company departments, business partners, and customers.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and apply practical solutions.

• Resourceful, flexible, and adaptable.

• Able to plan, organize, implement, and interpret programs, goals, policies, and procedures.

• Strong negotiation and prioritization skills.

• Committed to safe work practices and quality assurance standards.

• Able to use a computer and peripherals; manual dexterity is required.

• Able to attend and deliver presentations.

• English required; Spanish or French is an asset.

• Able to work in high-noise and hazardous environments, including confined spaces and work at heights. Protective equipment and training will be provided.

• Available for rotating shifts, including days, afternoons, nights, weekends, and overtime as required.

Main responsibilities

Production planning and coordination

• Supervise, coordinate, and schedule production workers.

• Establish work methods to meet production schedules and coordinate activities with other departments.

• Review charts, work orders, schedules, and reports to assess production requirements, estimates, and output.

• Provide information for production plans and help meet production objectives.

• Monitor, measure, and report on daily production processes.

• Request materials and supplies as needed.

Quality and safety

• Ensure product quality by following established quality systems and procedures.

• Identify, investigate, correct, and document potential environmental and safety issues.

• Promote and enforce Natra’s health and safety policies and applicable regulations.

• Lead the team in documenting production activities and verifying required records.

• Conduct monthly workplace inspections.

• Follow company and regulatory requirements for occupational health and safety, the environment, food safety, quality systems, HACCP, sanitation, and GMP standards.

Staff training and supervision

• Train employees in job duties, safety procedures, and company policies, both individually and in groups.

• Monitor and assess employee performance.

• Recommend personnel actions, including hiring and promotions.

• Help resolve employee concerns and complaints with management or staff.

• Motivate employees and support team morale.

• Supervise and coordinate trades workers, labourers, or other workers as required.

Problem-solving and reporting

• Troubleshoot work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity and product quality.

• Prepare production and other reports.

• Develop and manage the operating budget for the area of responsibility.

• Provide accurate shift handovers covering production status, downtime, staffing, quality issues, and safety concerns.

‍