<p>Job Title: Freeze Dry Lead</p> <p>Department: Operations</p> <p>Reports to: Freeze Dry Supervisor</p> <p>Location: American Fork</p> <p>Shift: Thursday-Saturday alternating every other Sunday 6:00am-6:00pm.</p> <p>JOB SUMMARY</p> <p>The Freeze Dry Production Lead is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the freeze-dry production team. This role ensures that production schedules are met, quality standards are maintained, and safety protocols are followed. The Freeze Dry Production Lead will manage daily operations, provide leadership and training to team members, and collaborate with other departments to optimize production processes. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of freeze-drying processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:</p> <p>To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential functions/duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties/functions may be added or assigned</p> <ul> <li>Work with the Freeze Dry Supervisor to lead the freeze-dry production team, ensuring all team members understand their roles and responsibilities. </li><li>Provide training, guidance, coaching and support to team members to enhance their skills and performance. </li><li>In the absence of a supervisor, conduct start up team meetings to communicate production goals, updates, and any issues that need to be addressed. </li><li>In alignment with the Freeze Dry Supervisor, oversee daily freeze-drying operations, ensuring production schedules are met and products are processed efficiently. </li><li>Monitor equipment performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with maintenance teams for repairs and preventative maintenance. </li><li>Ensure all production activities comply with company standards, SOPs, and safety guidelines. </li><li>Maintain high-quality standards throughout the production process, conducting regular inspections and quality checks. </li><li>Address any quality issues promptly and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. </li><li>Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure all products meet regulatory and customer requirements. </li><li>Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance efficiency and productivity. </li><li>Provide progress reports to the Freeze Dry Supervisor. </li><li>Monitor production metrics and analyze data to identify trends and areas for improvement. </li><li>Stay updated on industry best practices and incorporate them into the production processes. </li><li>Maintain accurate production records, including batch records, equipment logs, and quality control documents. </li><li>Prepare and submit regular reports on production performance to management. </li><li>Promote a culture of safety within the production team, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations. </li><li>Address any safety concerns promptly and implement measures to mitigate risks. </li><li>Step in and perform the responsibilities of the supervisor during their absence and maintain the expectations of a supervisor during that time. </li><li>Maintain regular and consistent attendance. </li><li>Perform all other related duties as assigned or needed. </li></ul> <p>SAFETY REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:</p> <ul> <li>Comply with the Environmental Health Safety & Security (EHS&S) policies and applicable regulatory and company EHS&S rules and requirements. </li><li>Report to supervision conditions or practices that are either unsafe or that may adversely impact the environment, to ensure prompt resolution of potential hazards. </li><li>Attend scheduled EHS&S training program. </li><li>Actively support the organization's efforts to meet or exceed EHS&S goals and plans. </li><li>Recommend improved EHS&S practices. </li><li>Practices safe work habits and follows general safety procedures such as proper lifting and bending, ergonomics, proper use of equipment and use of personal protection equipment (PPE). </li><li>Adheres to and ensures lockout procedures are followed any time the equipment is being cleaned or maintained. </li></ul> <p>PRODUCT SAFETY AND QUALITY</p> <ul> <li>Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Thrive Freeze Dry's food safety, quality, and sanitation policies and procedures. </li><li>Hold self and others accountable to Thrive Freeze Dry food safety, quality, & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety or quality incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates. </li><li>Adheres to and ensures Product Safety and Quality standards are followed. </li><li>Adheres to and ensures GMP's regarding food contact packaging as it pertains to the employee. </li><li>Adheres to and ensures Thrives food safety, product defense standards and quality objectives complies with all SQF system requirements. </li></ul> <p>MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (include education, experience, special skills, licenses and/or certifications required.)</p> <p>The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.</p> <ul> <li>High school diploma or equivalent; Preferred: an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field. </li><li>Minimum of 2 years of experience in freeze-dry production or a similar manufacturing environment. Preferred: 1 year in a leadership role. </li><li>Strong leadership and team management skills. </li><li>In-depth knowledge of freeze-drying processes and equipment. </li><li>Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities. </li><li>Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. </li><li>Good communication and interpersonal skills. </li><li>Proficiency in using production management software and Microsoft Office Suite. </li><li>The possession of quality orientation and attention to detail, problem analysis and resolution. In addition to, </li><li>The ability to manage multiple priorities. </li></ul> <p>PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be able to perform the following functions with or without accommodations:</p> <ul> <li>Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks. </li><li>Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. </li><li>Ability to work in varying temperature conditions. The job is performed under occasional temperature variations and in a food manufacturing production environment. </li><li>Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and frequent fine finger dexterity. </li><li>Unrestricted visual and audio abilities are required for the safety of all employees. </li></ul> <p>The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.</p> <p>Thrive Freeze Dry. is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.</p>