Job Details

Title: Production Lead

Location: Sardis, MS

Reports to: Operations Manager

Compensation: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Employment Status: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)

Position Overview

The Production Lead supports safe, efficient, and consistent plant operations within a high-volume agricultural manufacturing facility specializing in extracted humate products. This role serves as the senior operator on shift, providing day-to-day coordination of production activities while supporting equipment operation and maintaining production throughput.

The Production Lead works closely with operators, maintenance personnel, and plant leadership to ensure production targets, safety standards, and quality requirements are consistently met. While this role does not carry formal managerial authority, it plays a key role in coordinating work activities, guiding production operators, and supporting troubleshooting and process stability.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily production activities and assist with operator task assignments to ensure efficient workflow across production equipment and material handling systems
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Production Operators I–III during shift operations
• Operate and oversee processing equipment including mixers, pumps, conveyors, dryers, and bulk material handling systems
• Assist with production line startup, shutdown, and process adjustments to maintain stable operating conditions
• Monitor process parameters including temperature, pressure, flow rates, and moisture levels to maintain product quality standards
• Support troubleshooting of production issues and coordinate with maintenance teams during equipment downtime events
• Assist with production scheduling execution and ensure shift activities align with plant production targets
• Mentor and train junior operators on equipment operation, safety procedures, and plant processes
• Maintain accurate production documentation including batch records, operational logs, and shift reporting
• Support quality control procedures and assist with routine equipment inspections
• Ensure strict adherence to plant safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO), PPE requirements, and hazard communication standards
• Identify operational improvement opportunities and communicate recommendations to plant leadership
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 4–8+ years of manufacturing, agricultural processing, chemical processing, or industrial production experience
• Demonstrated experience operating and troubleshooting industrial production equipment
• Prior experience serving as a lead operator, senior operator, or shift coordinator preferred
• Strong understanding of production workflows, equipment safety, and process monitoring
• Strong communication and team leadership skills within a production environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work around heat, dust, and industrial equipment

Benefits

• 401(k) contribution match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance