Production Lead in Chandler, Arizona at Adept Life Sciences

Adept Life Sciences is a strategic supplement manufacturer trusted by fast-growing brands that demand innovation, speed to market, and uncompromising quality. From formulation and sourcing to manufacturing and scale, we help brands launch faster and grow with confidence.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Production Lead is a hands-on working lead who makes sure nutraceutical products are manufactured safely, on schedule, and at the highest quality. In addition to operating compression (tableting) and encapsulation equipment, the Production Lead directs the daily work of operators and production workers on the floor, coordinates line setups and changeovers, verifies in-process quality checks and batch documentation, and trains team members. Working under the Production Supervisor and closely with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Sanitation, this role is the first point of contact on the floor for production issues and helps keep every batch in compliance with 21 CFR Part 111 and company SOPs.

SCHEDULE: 6:00am - 2:30pm M-F.

PAY: $22/hr

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Floor Leadership & Daily Coordination

• Direct the daily work of operators and production workers on the assigned shift or area, assigning tasks and rotating staff to meet the production schedule.

• Lead shift start-up meetings and shift handoffs, communicating priorities, safety topics, and any quality or equipment concerns.

• Monitor production progress against the schedule and output targets, and report status, delays, and staffing needs to the Production Supervisor.

• Serve as the first point of contact on the floor for questions and problems, and escalate issues that cannot be resolved quickly.

• Fill in on machines and lines as needed to cover breaks, absences, and peak workload.

Equipment Operation & Setup

• Safely operate production machines according to Standard Operating Procedures.

• Lead and verify machine setups, changeovers, and adjustments, including change parts and tooling, to meet batch record specifications.

• Perform basic troubleshooting and minor adjustments to keep equipment running, and immediately report mechanical or procedural failures to the supervisor and Maintenance.

• Ensure room and line clearance, equipment cleaning status, and material staging are verified before each batch starts.

Quality & In-Process Controls

• Follow and ensure team compliance with the quality system and cGMP programs under 21 CFR Part 111.

• Perform and verify in-process quality checks (e.g., weight, hardness, thickness, friability, capsule fill weight, and appearance) every 15 minutes or as directed.

• Stop production and notify the supervisor and Quality Assurance of any issue affecting product quality, and assist with deviation investigations and corrective actions.

• Enforce allergen control, line clearance, and cross-contamination prevention procedures.

Documentation & Records

• Complete and review batch production records and logbooks for accuracy, completeness, and correct dates and times, following good documentation practices (ALCOA+).

• Verify material identity, lot numbers, and quantities issued to the batch, and perform yield calculations and reconciliation.

• Ensure paperwork is complete and handed off to Quality Assurance promptly at the end of each batch.

Training & Team Development

• Train new and existing team members on SOPs, equipment operation, GMP, and safety, and document completed on-the-job training.

• Coach team members on performance and work quality, and give input to the Production Supervisor on performance and training needs.

• Help the team adapt to changing company policies, manufacturing methods, and formulation changes.

Safety, Housekeeping & Continuous Improvement

• Follow all safety protocols and company policies, make sure the team does the same, and report unsafe conditions, incidents, and near misses immediately.

• Maintain a clean and orderly work area and support 5S and sanitation standards in production rooms.

• Suggest and support improvements that reduce waste, downtime, and rework.

• Attend and participate in meetings as necessary, and perform other duties as assigned or needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent. No certifications or licenses required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (PREFERRED)

• Experience in nutraceutical, dietary supplement, food, or pharmaceutical manufacturing preferred.

• Prior experience as a lead, trainer, or senior operator preferred.

• Experience setting up and operating production machines preferred.

• Fluency in multiple languages (e.g., English/Spanish) preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Six years of work experience, including at least two years of hands-on production experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Working knowledge of cGMP and good documentation practices.

• Ability to lead, train, and motivate a team, and to communicate clearly with operators, supervisors, and Quality.

• Basic math skills, including weights, measures, percentages, and yield calculations.

• Good reading, writing, and language skills, with the ability to read and follow SOPs and batch records.

• Moderate computer skills.

• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn new tasks and procedures.

• Ability to perform all essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without posing a direct safety threat to self or others.

• Regular and dependable attendance with few instances of unplanned or unexpected absence.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly involves standing, walking, and repetitive motions for extended periods.

• Frequently involves using hands, lifting and carrying, and operating machinery.

• Regularly involves talking, listening, and seeing; occasionally involves sitting.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Involves fast-paced, multi-tasking activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily a production floor environment, with some time in a shared office area.

• Exposure to food ingredients, including food allergens, in free-floating powder form.

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, and risk of electrical shock; noise level is usually moderate and often constant.

• Protective equipment such as gloves, hearing protection, masks, back belts, hairnets, or cGMP attire is required or recommended in production areas.