Production Line Technical Lead

DEFINITION

The Citterio USA Production Line Technical Lead is responsible for overseeing the technical performance and operational efficiency of the production line, with a focus on slicing equipment and related machinery. This role ensures optimal equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting, while driving process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste. Through hands on leadership the Technical Lead plays a critical role in maintaining high standards of food safety, product quality, and team performance.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the Production Supervisor 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

NOTE: An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed.  

• Enforce safety protocols and ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Supervise the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of slicing machines and other production equipment.  
• Ensure all machinery is maintained according to manufacturer and company standards.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures or process deviations.  
• Collaborate with supervisors and quality teams to optimize slicing processes for yield, quality, and safety.  
• Train and mentor production line operators on equipment operation, safety, and best practices.
• Ensure all products meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., HAACP, GMP, SQF).
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of the production line for compliance. 
• Oversee sanitation and cleanliness of equipment and production areas.  
• Communicate production status, issues, and improvement initiatives to supervisors and management.  
• Maintain high standards of quality throughout the production process. . 
• Collaborate with the maintenance teams to optimize equipment performance. 
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished products.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to listen effectively, respond appropriately and maintain mutual comfort level while relating to a diverse workforce.
• Must have good attendance.
• Other job duties as necessary. 
• Performs related work as may be required.

* The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical systems related to production equipment.  
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for mechanical and process issues.
• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities. 
• High energy level, ability to multitask, establish priorities, work independently.
• Positive interpersonal skills included effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information which may be proprietary to Citterio USA.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 
• Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

(a) Completion of a high school, or general equivalency diploma; and,  

(b) Experience in Food Manufacturing experience preferred: and,  

(c) Strong knowledge of meat manufacturing processes especially slicing and packaging operations and equipment; and,

(d) Excellent understanding of HACCP, GMP, and food safety regulations; and,

(e) Proven leadership and team management skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This role requires working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to cold temperatures and raw meat products. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to moving mechanical parts.

The noise level in the work environment can be moderate or loud when entering the plant. 

Employees are required to wear proper food safe, steel toe shoes, hair net and beard net, nitrile gloves, frock, bump cap, hat, and proper hearing protection while working in certain areas. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.  

Citterio USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law. 

FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT – NOT OVERTIME ELIGIBLE

DESIGNATION: At Will Employee

UNION STATUS: NON-UNION