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Job Title


Lead Hand - Manufacturing


Company : SunOpta Inc.


Location : Nationwide, Ontario


Created : 2025-06-26


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Job Description Posted Monday, April 21, 2025 at 4:00 AM SunOpta Overview: SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for todays leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the companys commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN, Dream, and West Life. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn. SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food! Job Summary: This position is responsible for ensuring that all production lines/equipment achieve production standards and deliver scheduled production requirements. Essential Functions of the Job: Performs as a lead hand helper, directing production activities as communicated by the Lead Hand (Lead Production Worker). Leads employees and temporary personnel on production line(s) during off shift. Provides break relief. Manage inventory with First In First Out (FIFO) rotation. Troubleshoot and notify mechanics of mechanical issues. Completes documentation required, including verifying codes and SOPs. Provide consistent communication and feedback to personnel on shift, and pass information on to next shift. Report and troubleshoot all material usage, finished goods, labor hours, waste, and downtime. Strong attention to detail, sense of urgency, and excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Responsible for ensuring the work area is clean and organized. Assist and assign (as needed) duties to thoroughly clean work areas, including general housekeeping. Utilize the Packaging White Board to refer to priorities for the day/week, record counts for the shift. Use oracle to perform tasks including back flushing of finished cases, batch returns and inputting of cartons, shippers, and product. Must adhere to and enforce all Good Manufacturing Practices and Safety Policies. Promote a high level of safety awareness and continuous improvement in safety policies. Committed to ensuring that products produced meet all food safety and quality requirements. Responsible for Food Safety and reporting any non-compliance issues to their immediate supervisor. Comply with all SunOpta Quality and food safety standards, HACCP, GMPs, Organic, GFCO, SQF, Kosher certificate and customer requirements. Wear Personal Protective Equipment when required. The backup for this role is an alternate Lead Packaging Worker (or higher). All other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: Ensure that workers are adhering to the production schedule as outlined by Management. Minimum Qualifications: Minimum High School Prior experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred. Knowledge and Skills: Ability to use critical thinking to plan and problem-solve. Experience with oracle preferred. Good verbal, written and multi-tasking skills. Basic computer skills. Familiar with production/processing lines and/or packaging equipment. Additional Considerations: The location for this role is in St. Davids, Ontario, Canada. Work Environment/Physical Demands: 100% of the work is performed in a production environment. Must be available to work weekly rotating shifts: days, afternoons, nights. Must be available to work weekends. Must be able to stand/walk for majority of the shift. Must be able to reach with hands and arms, climb up and down ladders. Strong attention to detail. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Competency in performing multiple tasks. Ability to organize and prioritize. Must have reliable transportation (location is off bus route). Full-time, Permanent Shift premiums Benefits Employee Assistance Program RRSP Matching Program Paid Time Off AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED #J-18808-Ljbffr