Production Lead, Aseptic (D-Shift 6:00pm-6:30am) Job Listing at Lassonde Pappas in Hendersonville, NC (Job ID 3424)

Description

PAY INCENTIVES:

• Sign-On Bonus: $1,000, payable during the pay period following successful completion of 90 days of continuous employment
• Retention Bonuses: Two additional $500 bonuses paid at 6 months and 1 year of employment, contingent upon active employment and good standing
• Annual Merit Increases: Eligible for yearly performance-based pay increases
• All bonuses are subject to applicable federal and state tax withholdings

POSITION SUMMARY
 The Production Lead reports to the Production Supervisor and is based out of our Hendersonville, North Carolina location. This individual is responsible for supporting and coordinating production line operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output. The Lead provides guidance and direction to line operators by assisting with line balancing, troubleshooting equipment, monitoring product quality and safety (including sensory (CQP) and CCP requirements), and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory standards. In addition, the Lead supports operator training, coordinates and oversees break and lunch schedules for both filler and machine operators, and maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
 (Essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)

Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for operators on the line, providing guidance, direction, and support to ensure consistent production flow.
• Lead by example in following safety, quality, and GMP protocols.
• Assist the Production Supervisor in coordinating daily shift activities and communicating priorities, performance targets, and process changes to operators.
• Support onboarding and training of new operators, ensuring proper understanding of equipment, processes, and quality standards.
• Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks, and work with the Supervisor and Maintenance team to address issues quickly.
• Coordinate and supervise breaks and lunches for all line operators, ensuring coverage for both filler and machine operator stations while maintaining smooth production flow.
• Document and communicate shift handoffs, production challenges, and improvement opportunities.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.

Filler Operator Duties

• Responsible for moving juice from the run tank to the filler, keeping accurate data on temperature control charts, ensuring Critical Control Points are met, completing CIP/Kosher/Organic/SIP washes from the run tank through the pasteurizer and to the fillers.
• Attend and operate filler equipment efficiently to optimize production-line run time.
• Monitor machine flow and notify maintenance of malfunctions.
• Perform product quality checks, record data accurately, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Conduct and document packaging changeovers, minor equipment adjustments, and preventive maintenance tasks.
• Support inventory verification for bottles, caps, and products; track usage and waste.
• Maintain accurate wash, temperature, and yield documentation, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Empowered to escalate and resolve food safety or quality issues within scope of work.
• Ensure filler operators are scheduled for breaks and lunches without impacting line efficiency.

Machine Operator Duties (Labeler, OCME Packer, and Palletizer)

• Operate labeler, packer, and palletizer equipment, ensuring compliance with recipes, film, trays, labels, and palletizing requirements.
• Perform setup, adjustments, and troubleshooting during production and changeovers.
• Record downtime, cycle counts, and quality data in the Sherlock system.
• Inspect finished products for defects, proper labeling, and packaging accuracy.
• Support mold changeovers and mechanical setup for size changes.
• Follow start-up and shut-down procedures, ensuring readiness for daily operations.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality, and supervisory teams to resolve issues quickly.
• Maintain GMP standards and housekeeping of work areas throughout the shift.
• Ensure machine operators are scheduled for breaks and lunches, coordinating with filler operators to maintain smooth production flow.

General Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with company standards for safety, cost control, waste reduction, and product quality.
• Detect and correct equipment malfunctions or product quality issues.
• Support a safe work environment by enforcing safety rules and reporting hazards immediately.
• Maintain detailed production records and ensure proper shift handoff communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of production experience operating equipment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detailed oriented and can multi-task
• Excellent time management skills

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food/beverage industry 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detailed oriented and have the ability to multi-task
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work in a team setting

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires sufficient physical ability to work in a production setting.

FREQUENT:  Ability to talk and hear; ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, stoop, bend and/or crouch; push/pull; lift up to 50 pounds; use of hands and fingers to operate machinery/equipment and all manual and electronic equipment in area of responsibility.  Exposure to wet and humid conditions and fluctuations in ambient temperature (seasonal).

OCCASIONAL:  Squatting, kneeling, ability to reach above and at shoulder height. Ability to wear dust mask, and perform Confined Entry using LOTO program.   Exposure to toxic and corrosive chemicals.

VISION:  Ability to use close and distance vision, as well as color and peripheral vision with or without correction.  Must be able to visually detect obstacles and potential dangers in a fast-paced production environment involving high-speed equipment and powered industrial lift equipment.

HEARING:  Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Exposure to noise levels from pumps, machinery, forklift traffic, bottle lines, and exhaust fans.

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of the responsibilities that are required to successfully perform in this position.  Other duties as assigned are part of every job description.   The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.

Lassonde Pappas & Co., Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.