Shift Leader, Production 1st Shift - Menomonee Falls, WI
Job Title: Shift Leader, Production 1st Shift
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
The Shift Leader, Production will play a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing our food ingredient manufacturing processes. Your leadership will ensure the seamless execution of production operations, adherence to quality standards, and compliance with safety protocols. By effectively coordinating with your team, managing raw materials, and maintaining equipment, you will contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional ingredients to our clients. This role demands a proactive problem-solver with strong organizational skills and a commitment to excellence in a dynamic production environment.
Your Key Responsibilities:
• The production lead is responsible for managing a team of production workers, assigning tasks, and ensuring that they are completed on time.
• Notify the Production Supervisor and Scheduler of raw material needs and issues.
• Follow process formulas using raw materials such as cheese, cream, butter, and cream cheese.
• Work with live enzymes to achieve the finished product.
• Maintain processes within product specifications, including T.A., moisture, salt, and fat.
• Follow cook step pasteurization.
• Maintain incubation periods based on product strength requirements.
• The production lead is responsible for ensuring that all products meet quality standards, inspecting products for defects, and implementing measures to improve product quality.
• Responsible for reporting on production progress to management.
• Responsible for ensuring that all production equipment is well-maintained, conducting routine maintenance checks, and scheduling repairs as needed.
• Load and unload materials.
• Package finished products.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Clean machines and facilities.
• The employee in this role is responsible for food defense and food safety, ensuring adherence to all food safety protocols.
• Follow Safety Health and Environmental rules and regulations.
• Weekend work is required when needed.
We Offer:
• A strong sense of accountability – you take initiative, speak up, and see things through. You are responsible and focus on what matters.
• An innovator’s instinct – you’re always looking for better, smarter, more sustainable ways to make an impact.
• Curiosity and an open mind - because you believe progress starts with asking, “Is there a better way?”
• A collaborative spirit – you’re at your best when working across teams, functions and countries.
• A focus on unity - with stakeholders and customers.
• A competitive compensation package – with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
You Bring:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Forklift certification or ability get upon hiring.
• Proven experience within a manufacturing environment, preferably with Lead experience.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
• In-depth knowledge of production processes, quality control standards, and health and safety regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, informed decisions. Excellent organizational, time management and communications skills (written and verbal).
• Proficiency in using production management software and tools.
• Ability to repetitively lift 50 to 80 pounds, including bags, boxes, and six-gallon buckets.
• Ability to work in a wet environment when washing equipment, requiring the use of special clothing and protective gear.
• Handle hazardous cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to climb stairs in production rooms to access machinery.
• Able to spot flaws in formulas and product and correct as needed.
• Ability to run all testing required and make sure product matches required standards (T.A./moisture/color).
• Able to ensure formulas are filled out correctly (i.e., lot numbers of raw materials used and correct quantities).
The hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. The hourly wage is $29.00.
In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.
About dsm-firmenich:
At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.
Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.
From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.
And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.
Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.
Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement:
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.
And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.
Agency statement:
We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.