Production Lead

Founded in 2011, Jacobsen Salt Co. is the first company to harvest salt in the Pacific Northwest since the 1800s. Since then it has transformed from a local, small business to a nationally recognized brand as America’s leading salt maker. Harvested from the cold, pristine waters of Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast, our flake and kosher sea salts have garnered worldwide favor for their beautiful presentation and pure taste by professional chefs and home cooks alike.

Production Lead

Jacobsen Salt Co. seeks a full-time (estimated 40 hour/week) Production Lead with food production and supervisory experience to support our production operations in Portland. This position is responsible for ensuring that the company’s primary production, packing, and shipping site meets daily operational, personnel, and safety needs. The Production Lead role requires an even-keeled, mature leader who will be tasked with organizing and executing daily product builds, and contributing to the productivity and success of Production Associates.

Primary functions include:

• Encourage, support, and motivate Production Associates; organize, prepare, and monitor packing and production lines with a focus on quality assurance and continual improvement
• Establish performance expectations for Production Associates through the work done day in and day out; lead by example and provide regular and constructive feedback; contribute to writing and conducting Performance Reviews
• Work with Senior Portland Operations Manager to establish and achieve daily/weekly goals for Production team
• Support hiring process for new Production Associates and lead new team member orientation and training
• Ensure performance and functionality of all production tools and equipment; set up, operate, and break down filling, labeling, and other related machinery; operate all equipment in a safe and food-safe manner, and troubleshoot common issues
• Identify inefficiencies and propose improvements (such as quality assurances, capacity, ease of use, etc.) to processes, tools, and equipment
• Contribute to inventory control measures, including completing Build Sheets in an accurate and timely manner, and assisting month and quarter-end counts of physical finished goods (FG), work in progress products (WIP), and raw materials (RM)
• Cross train in shipment palletization, fulfillment, and other company functions
• Contribute to warehouse receiving tasks, including placement of deliveries
• Follow company policies and procedures in order to thoroughly clean equipment and workspaces, and hold the Production team to those expectations
• Comply with all company policies and procedures and rigorously uphold all quality control and food safety standards; ensure that Production team is in compliance with these standards
• Communicate promptly, thoroughly, constructively, and consistently with both direct supervisor and all team members, including reporting food safety and quality concerns to Manager
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Skills, characteristics, and core competencies required:

• A high school graduate (or has a commensurate degree or certifications) with access to reliable transportation
• Has prior experience working in food production or manufacturing; must have previous experience running production machinery
• An energetic, enthusiastic and collaborative team player; comfortable working both independently and under direct supervision
• Demonstrates effective and respectful communication skills, both verbal and written
• Accountable and trustworthy, with a strong work ethic and good judgment
• A champion of Jacobsen’s ideals of integrity and inclusivity, both in the workplace and in the community
• Detail-oriented with keen organizational and observational skills
• Comfortable with basic hand tools use, machine setup, and equipment operation
• Able to perform basic mathematical functions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Comfortable completing intermediate tasks on a computer, including navigating word processing, spreadsheets, and email, and printing case labels
• Able to read, understand, and communicate operational and safety information in English
• Able to work in an environment where food allergens may be present
• **Forklift certification is a plus
  
  

Essential physical functions:

• Fully capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling 20-55 lbs (frequent) and 56-70 lbs (rarely)
• Good physical dexterity required; tasks and movements requiring fine motor skills is common and frequent
• Able to climb ladders and stairs, squat, kneel, reach overhead, and walk on uneven surfaces
• Able to stand for several hours (position requires walking or standing for long periods, up to 100% of the shift/two hours at a time)
• Position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  
  

Typical weekly schedule:

• Shift Hours: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
• Shift Length: 8 hours
• Monday - Friday
• Overtime hours possible as necessitated by business operations; position requires seasonal schedule flexibility
• This full-time, non-exempt position works out of Jacobsen’s production facility in NE Portland, Oregon.
  
  

Reports to:

• Senior Portland Operations Manager
  
  

Starting wage range is $20.00-21.00/hour based on experience, education and qualifications. Benefits include paid time off and paid company holidays, as well as eligibility for health/dental/vision benefits after 60 days and 401(k) after one year.

Jacobsen Salt Co. is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the value that diversity brings to an organization. As a community, we are committed to creating a workplace where learning is a key principle. We look for collaborative and resourceful team players who believe in our mission to inspire people to cook, eat, and live well.

To apply:

Please send a resume to jobs@jacobsensalt.com with your first and last name, and job title in the subject line. Example: Jane Doe – Production Lead. We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible, and it will remain open until filled.