COMPANY OVERVIEW:  Lawler Foods is a leading manufacturer of gourmet cheesecakes, cakes and pies that are used in restaurants, hotels and other fine foodservice establishments around the world. Lawler Foods’ business has been built on the solid foundation of “home-made” taste and quality, using the finest natural ingredients to bake creamy cheesecakes, moist layer cakes, and grandmother-quality pies. The company operates out of Humble, Texas. Customers include national restaurant chains, wholesale clubs, and retail outlets in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe.  www.lawlers.com

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Line Lead III reports to the Production Supervisor and is directly responsible for the day-to-day operation of a production and/or packaging line(s). This person will continuously monitor line performance, quality, and safety to ensure that they are within standard.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operation of Production and/or Packaging Lines
  • Directly oversee daily production process, including line set-up, work instructions, directing hourly employees, and interacting and assisting maintenance mechanics with a focus on producing quality product in a safe environment.
  • Manage workflow by monitoring steps of the process; setting processing variables; observing control points and equipment.
  • Track current case and waste performance against target – report “out of standard” status of the business and any correctives if goals aren’t met.
  • Troubleshoot line performance issues and work closely with maintenance team to resolve issues.
  • Operational knowledge of all equipment on assigned line, to include requirements for setup, changeover, and troubleshooting / correcting minor technical issues.
  • Monitor waste streams in line with business goals, seek to improve performance.
  • Identify production and workflow bottlenecks, apply continuous improvement solutions to reduce/remove bottlenecks and increase overall throughput.
  • Provide continual evaluation of processes and procedures.
  • Lead production team in problem solving analysis exercises, including thorough root cause analysis, 5-why, and fishbone analysis.
  • Complete other duties as assigned.
• Leadership, Supervision and Individual & Team Development
  • Provide line employees with the opportunity to cross train and develop skill sets; utilize documented work instructions to support sharing of defined best practices, ensure skill matrix accurately reflects skills of associates in the area.
  • Provide functional training to new employees according to standard and ensure safe performance.
  • Provide support to employees, line operators, leads and be focal point for their concerns and report to supervisor.
  • Build personal management skills by substituting for supervisors away from the plant.
  • Work with supervisor to provide statistical and performance feedback and coaching on a regular basis to each team member.
• Compliance with Regulatory, Company and Industry Best Practice Operating and Safety Requirements:
  • Satisfy safe and clean work environment by educating and directing employees on the use of all control points, equipment and resources; maintaining compliance with established policies and procedures.
  • Monitor & Maintain Employee, Equipment and Facility compliance with Regulatory and Company requirements for Human Safety and Food Safety
  • Understand the Standard Operating Procedures and Inspection Regulations.
  • Perform safety audits.
  • Ensure timely & accurate downtime tracking for equipment in area of responsibility.
  • Adherence to defined escalation rules when issues arise.

• Budgeting and Management of Line/Department Resources & Expenses
  • Effectively manage daily Line Operation to standard rate & headcount.
  • Understanding of production costs to include waste, downtime, scrap and re-work.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• High School Education and/or Experience equivalent

• One year as Line Lead II and three to five years of related work experience as a lead in an industrial food manufacturing operation. 
• Must be fluent in English.

• Demonstrated strong leadership and team building skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds and with varying education and expertise levels
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and basic mathematical skills.
• Effective planning, organizing and priority setting skills.
• Shift flexibility including extended hours, weekends and holidays when required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand 90% of the time.
• Exposure to Cold and Hot areas.
• Must be able to work safely with products containing allergens (wheat, dairy, eggs and a variety of tree nuts).