Packaging Lead

Position Description and Purpose:

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Roskam Foods is a leading contract manufacturer that partners with world-renowned food brands, retailers, and food service providers to produce a myriad of frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable products. We're a scaled, diversified operation with over 2 million square feet of manufacturing and 50 production lines across 8 facilities in the U.S. and Canada. We believe in the power of purpose-driven leadership to generate value for all. And we're on a mission to optimize the potential of our people and brands. We are passionate about multiplying possibilities for our employees and our partners.

Roskam Foods produces and packages food products with the goal of consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations for quality, safety, and wholesomeness.

The Packaging Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the packaging line to ensure products are packaged accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This role supervises packaging operators and technicians, coordinates with production, quality, maintenance, and sanitation teams, and drives performance to meet production goals. The Packaging Lead also supports continuous improvement initiatives, monitors materials usage, and ensures a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

• Supervise and coordinate packaging line staff to meet production targets and schedules.

• Confirm scheduled work orders and collaborate with previous shift leads to maintain smooth operations.

• Determine staffing needs for each day's production and manage team assignments, breaks, and lunches to minimize downtime.

• Ensure proper setup, operation, changeover, and cleaning of packaging equipment.

• Verify packaging materials, labels, and setup forms are complete and accurate before each run.

• Monitor processes for efficiency, quality, and compliance with product specifications.

• Troubleshoot equipment issues and escalate to maintenance as needed.

• Conduct line inspections, monitor food safety, and resolve or escalate potential issues.

• Manage materials flow, ensuring all ingredients and packaging materials are returned, documented, and consumed properly in systems (e.g., ODIN).

• Maintain accurate production, scrap, downtime, time, and labor records.

• Partner with Shift Manager to control budget, track scrap rates, and recommend lean improvements.

• Train, mentor, and motivate team members on safety, quality, and operational procedures.

• Interpret and enforce company policies and safety regulations.

• Support continuous improvement, participate in root cause analysis, and recommend process enhancements.

• Collaborate with sanitation team during transitions and ensure packaging area cleanliness.

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical training preferred.

• 3-5 years of packaging operations experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory role.

• Strong understanding of packaging equipment, materials, quality control, and food safety practices (GMP, HACCP, OSHA).

• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, SOPs, and safety instructions.

• Basic computer skills and familiarity with production tracking systems.

• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience in co-manufacturing or contract manufacturing.

• Familiarity with automated packaging systems and labeling equipment.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Pay: $24 per hour

Roskam Foods offers a competitive compensation package that includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, tuition reimbursement, life and disability insurance, and a 401 (k) plan with company match.

AAP/EEO Statement: Roskam Foods is a recognized veteran-friendly and equal opportunity employer.

We are excited to introduce you to all that Roskam has to offer-from the many valuable benefits to programs that support your lifestyle needs and opportunities for professional development. Roskam is an equal opportunity employer.