Crew Leader

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 primary role of Crew Lead is to effectively coordinate their workloads, providing support to ensure that the team delivers, monitoring any issues, and ensuring product is developed successfully, and quality standards are met to meet the requirements of the customer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement proper procedures for the processing department
• Provide proper Carftsheets according to the stuffing groups assign by scheduling
• Follow scheduling and provide end of shift schedule updates via email
• Communicate with scheduling any production updates shortages, over runs, carried overs for the next production date
• Send end of week inventory reports for stuffing items
• Maintain an accurate operator line rotation to ensure full cross training is maintained
• Set up the floor for the next production day (move lines around to set either summer lines or Stick lines based on scheduling needs)
• Add/Create processing department schedules to ensure that all processing is performed and completed in a timely fashion.
• Document stuffing checks on the operator’s record keeping for stuffing dimensions and weights.
• Add/Create processing department schedules to ensure that all processing is performed and completed in a timely fashion.
• Perform all supervisory functions during the absence of a supervisor
• Participate as a witness in the disciplinary process
• Analyze situations to provide solutions that are in the best interest of the company
• Maintain accurate records and reports
• Monitor processing department employees’ progress on assigned tasks
• Make decisions pertaining to production errors and deviations
• Maintain accurate inventory of rework, raw material inventory and metal detection report.
• Participate in monthly inventory process
• Maintain a safe work environment by watching out for foot traffic: following standards and procedures: complying with legal regulations per all forklift operations
• Utilize manual batching procedure to correctly document product flow and correct mistakes when necessary
• Evaluate daily overhead to ensure that we have the accurate staffing to run all lines
• Assign and provide direction on the daily tasks to other processing department employees
• Ensure that employees are abiding by all Carl Buddig and Company policies via the Employee Handbook and Safety Manual
• Train new and existing employees in the required job duties 
• Assist with conducting training for safety and quality
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Manager and/or Supervisor
• Maintain work area in a clean and sanitary manner
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Experience: High School Diploma/GED required.1-2 years related work experience is preferred. Must be able to read, write and speak English. Must have basic computer skills.

Skills & Abilities:

• Must be flexible and able to work as needed.
• Must be able to work in a high-speed environment.
• Must be able to stand up to 12 hours per day.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to bend, stoop and squat as needed for housekeeping responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work 40 or more hours per week
• Must be able to work mandatory overtime if necessary.
• Must have good hand/eye coordination
• Must be highly attentive to detail (i.e. meat type/film/date)

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work in temperatures of 40 degrees or less
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)

Pay range for this position is $21/hr to $25/hr depending on experience.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA, HSA, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, Vacation & PTO, and Tuition Reimbursement. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)