Manufacturing Director Footwear Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Summary:

**SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE $2,500 **

The Floor Lead plays a pivotal role in supporting and managing daily operations within their assigned area. This position is responsible for training team members, assigning workstations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and driving operational efficiency. The Floor Lead acts as a liaison between team members and management to address production challenges and maintain a productive and collaborative work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safety and Compliance:

· Ensure all safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and company policies are strictly followed.

· Conduct regular safety checks and proactively address potential hazards to minimize risks.

· Report any unsafe acts or conditions immediately.

· Assist in completing Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) documentation.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment at all times.

Quality Assurance:

· Partner with QA teams to verify that all products meet stringent food safety and quality standards.

· Monitor production processes to ensure adherence to established specifications and protocols.

· Demonstrate strong attention to detail in all quality and safety checks.

Production Reporting:

· Maintain accurate and detailed production records, including outputs, downtime, and material usage.

· Ensure centerline documents are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

· Use production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Break and Shift Coordination:

· Coordinate and manage employee breaks to maintain uninterrupted workflow.

· Adjust schedules and workstation assignments as needed to address production demands.

Operational Efficiency:

· Oversee all production areas to ensure equipment and lines are operating at peak performance.

· Address operational bottlenecks and troubleshoot equipment issues at the operator level.

· Support and participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, safety, and quality.

Communication and Collaboration:

· Maintain open communication with supervisors, managers, and other departments to address machinery issues, material shortages, or safety concerns.

· Serve as a point of contact for team members, escalating employee concerns to management and HR when necessary.

· Foster collaboration between departments to achieve operational goals.

Training and Development:

· Conduct thorough training for new employees, ensuring they understand job responsibilities, safety guidelines, and quality expectations.

· Provide ongoing coaching to enhance team performance and support career development.

GMP and Food Safety Compliance:

· Ensure that all employees adhere to GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and company food safety policies.

· Actively monitor for and report any violations or concerns related to food safety or quality.

Team Leadership:

· Direct and oversee staff assignments on production lines, including task delegation and rotation scheduling.

· Foster a team-oriented environment, encouraging collaboration and high morale.

Material and Recipe Accuracy:

· Verify that all production lines are stocked with the correct materials and following accurate recipes.

· Coordinate with the warehouse team to confirm inventory accuracy for assigned production areas.

Data Tracking and Reporting:

· Ensure production data is captured accurately and updated on production boards.

· Share key performance indicators (KPIs) with the team to drive accountability and continuous improvement.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Perform all tasks as directed by management to support production goals.

· Actively participate in meetings and provide insights on operational improvements.

Qualification Requirements:

· High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification in mechanical equipment preferred.

· Minimum of 2–3 years of experience as a production worker in food manufacturing or a similar environment.

· Strong understanding of mechanical devices, troubleshooting skills, and ability to perform routine maintenance.

· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.

· Bilingual is a plus.

· Must have completed GMPs and company food safety programs training.

· Must have good mathematical skills.

· Ability to read and follow instructions.

Physical Demands:

· Compliance with safety requirements, including PPE such as safety footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

· Capability to work in variable temperatures and handle physical tasks like lifting up to 50 lbs.

· Standing or walking for extended periods and maneuvering around equipment.

Work Environment:

This position works in a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms. The incumbent will be exposed to loud noises and alarms from equipment and machinery. Some tasks may require additional safety measures to ensure the safe completion of the task.

You should be proficient in:

• Leadership / People Management
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• FDA Regulations
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification (OSHA 10)
• Production Optimization
• Kaizen
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience
• Operational Metrics & KPI Management
• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)