Production Lead Hand

Lindsay Facility - 201 St George Street, 201 St. George Street, Lindsay, Ontario, Canada

Job Description

Posted Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Mariposa Dairy is a leading manufacturer of award-winning cheeses based in Lindsay, Ontario. Our aim is to provide the highest quality cheese products in North America through the efforts of our skilled and valued team for the benefit of our customers and community.

We are currently seeking a full-time Lead-Hand, Production reporting to the Production Supervisor. Our organization is a growing and dynamic business and operates in our two facilities just off Hwy. 36 in Lindsay, Ontario.

Purpose:

Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Lead Hand is responsible for the production output of their assigned line. The Lead Hand role is key to achieving our daily production requirements and will directly drive results. This position will be responsible for following all Mariposa procedures, and for taking direction from the Production Supervisors and Manager to provide superior work output; keeping in mind the utmost importance of Safety, Food Safety and Handling. Flexibility of hours is essential for this job, depending on daily production targets. The Lead Hand must be on the Production Floor, on time, and ready for work each day.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Duties for all lines

• Lead the line from mixing to palletizing and direct all staff on the line to maximize throughput.
• Must be able to directly drive results in associates through effective communication, coaching and decision making.
• Plan, strategize and lead their assigned team to meet goals daily
• Strategize with line associates to meet requirements for the day and communicate all changes to occur during the day effectively.
• Plans and executes the employee break plan.
• Ensure all dry good materials are ready for the days’ production.
• Ensure/ enforce all GMP procedures.
• Follow HACCP procedures and schedule for routine cleaning during and end of shift.
• Maintain professional, timely communication between all team members and departments.
• To always work in a safe manner keeping safety top priority.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities.
• Assist other Lead Hands and other departments as required.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Line 1:

Must perform all duties listed above in addition to:

• Monitor cheese flow from mixing section to the line, communicate to supervisor any delays of cheese getting to the line.
• Ensure equipment is set up to begin production on time.
• Monitor weights on the line and ensure the right weight is portioned as indicated in the Master Product Specifications. (MPS).
• Monitor Giveaway targets and communicate information to operators.
• Minimize rework throughout the line.
• Work with inventory to ensure the right labels are brought to line and replenished accordingly.
• Ensure downtime and rework are recorded.
• Monitor and adjust line speed as needed.
• Ensure changeover and cleanouts are done in a timely manner.
• Maintain urgency and efficient use of time on the line.
• Complete shop floor entries and ensure other paperwork is filled accurately, in a timely and organized manner.

Line 2:

Must perform all duties listed above in addition to:

• Monitor cheese flow from mixing section to the line, communicate to supervisor any delays of cheese getting to the line.
• Ensure equipment is set up to begin production on time.
• Monitor weights on the line and ensure the right weight is portioned as indicated in the Master Product Specifications. (MPS).
• Monitor Giveaway targets and communicate information to operators.
• Minimize rework throughout the line.
• Work with inventory to ensure the right labels are brought to line and replenished accordingly.
• Ensure downtime and rework are recorded.
• Monitor and adjust line speed as needed.
• Ensure changeover and cleanouts are done in a timely manner.
• Maintain urgency and efficient use of time on the line.
• Complete shop floor entries and ensure other paperwork is filled accurately, in a timely and organized manner.

Line 3&4:

Must perform all duties listed above in addition to:

• Monitor cheese flow from mixing section to the line, communicate to supervisor any delays of cheese getting to the line.
• Ensure equipment is set up to begin production on time.
• Monitor weights on the line and ensure the right weight is portioned as indicated in the Master Product Specifications. (MPS).
• Ensure downtime and rework are recorded.
• Monitor the flow of the line speed.
• Ensure changeover is done in a timely manner.
• Ensure clean outs of the cabin plant.
• Ensure bags are pre-labeled.
• Ensure bagging & rolling stations are set up properly.
• Ensure the right settings are used.
• Maintain urgency and efficient use of time on the line.
• Complete shop floor entries and ensure other paperwork is filled accurately, in a timely and organized manner.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Understanding of Continuous improvement (Kaizen, 5S, lean manufacturing principles)
• Good leadership ability.
• Ability to build trust and respect.
• Flexibility of hours when necessary.
• Some work on statutory holidays and / or weekends.
• Good team player.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.

MINIMUM CRITERIA

• Must have good attendance and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to follow SOP and complete forms accurately.
• Must have a good and positive attitude toward change.
• Must have mechanical aptitude.
• Able to work in a team environment.
• Able to lift up to 25 kgs.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Mariposa, however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. No phone calls please. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon reference checks and employment verification.

Mariposa Dairy welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

The employer accepts applications from only:

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
• Other candidates with a valid Canadian work permit.

Lindsay Facility - 201 St George Street, 201 St. George Street, Lindsay, Ontario, Canada