About Us:

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.

As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.

Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.

Position Summary:

The Crew Lead is responsible for the efficient assistance in management of all production function including producing a safe and quality food product per USDA guidelines. Quality standards and associate staffing including developing leads, operators and provide operational support to hourly employees. In addition, employees are responsible for producing a safe and quality food product per USDA guidelines. They are required to report all food safety-related problems to their supervisor, manager, or the quality assurance department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Completion of production records and data entry as required.
• Assist with changeovers and line clearance.
• Oversee downtime clean-up activities.
• Perform material handling duties within the department.
• Coordinate replenishment of materials to meet operational schedule.
• Achieve goals and report to supervisor production standards, downtime, and/or reassignment of work.
• Audit work areas per standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure procedural compliance, product conformance to specifications, and accurate documentation.
• Verify the accuracy of all raw materials at the work area per the specification and operator work assignments.
• Perform quality inspections, Document results.
• Ensure departmental inspections are performed with appropriate records maintained.
• Provide new and/or temporary associates on-the-job training to learn the basic tasks (safety, quality, and productivity) for all positions within the assigned area. Participate in start-up huddle meetings (CIP’s) and assist in problem resolution activities.
• Continually evaluate the work process for improvements.
• Sustain 5S standards through good housekeeping and execution of standard work.
• Utilize LEAN Thinking in formal and informal settings, including participating in LEAN Events (Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Projects, Just-Do-It), submit suggestions, attend LEAN Training, and improve work cell/areas of responsibility.
• Use visual tools and display boards and update them as appropriate. Accept and embrace the change necessary for continuous improvement.
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s).
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Ability to legally work in the United States.
• High School Diploma/GED is preferred.
• Knowledge of GMPs and USDA regulations preferred.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, multi-tasking environment to meet operational deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated team building skills with the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Basic math skills and effective problem-solving abilities required.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for lockout/tagout, machine guarding and applicable OSHA standards.
• Basic computer skills needed (MS Office) with ability to learn computer systems.
• Flexibility and dependability necessary to meet operational demands of 24-hour operation.
• Prior manufacturing experience required with two (2) years’ experience in the department for in depth product knowledge.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work in temperatures below 40 degrees.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to push and pull items in excess of 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Able to grip and grasp small objects repeatedly.
• Able to work in a cold, damp environment.
• Must be able to stand for 10 hours per day.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and squat as needed for housekeeping responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
• Must have good hand and eye coordination.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Pay range for this position is $20.00 to $24.00 an hour depending on experience.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Training and Development, Vacation & PTO, Referral Bonus Program, and Tuition Reimbursement.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement

Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.