OPERATOR LEADSUPERVISOR at Lifeway Foods, Inc

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), which has been recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic beverage known as Kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable Kefir, the company also produces cheese, drinkable yogurt, and a ProBugs line of Kefir for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Summary

The Operator Lead Supervisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day packaging and filling operations while also serving as a hands-on technical resource to ensure production runs safely, efficiently, and at the highest quality standards. This role bridges the gap between operators and management by providing direction, troubleshooting support, training, and performance oversight. The Operator Lead Supervisor ensures compliance with regulatory standards, promotes a culture of safety and collaboration, and supports continuous improvement across the production floor.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

· Lead, train, and support operators and packers to ensure smooth production operations

· Oversee daily performance of packaging and filling lines, ensuring products meet quality, labeling, and safety requirements

· Perform equipment set-up, sanitization, and verification of machine readiness prior to production

· Troubleshoot and resolve machine issues, relieving operators when necessary to maintain workflow

· Monitor and verify production paperwork, pallet counts, labels, and product coding for accuracy

· Support scheduling, shift performance reporting, and communication of key metrics such as output, downtime, and scrap

· Promote and enforce safety, quality, and sanitation policies throughout the department

· Assist with unloading, inventory checks, and daily material readiness to support uninterrupted machine operation

· Lead by example in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment

· Collaborate with supervisors, maintenance, and quality teams to address performance issues and drive improvements

· Perform duties according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) that meet quality and safety standards pertaining to: Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (WDA), and customer requirements

· Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy

· Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements

· High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred

· Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in food production/packaging with at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory capacity

· Strong technical knowledge of packaging equipment, troubleshooting, and sanitation protocols

· Ability to lead teams effectively, train employees, and foster a collaborative environment

· Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook) and manufacturing/inventory software preferred

· Must be able to lift 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and safely maneuver around equipment

· Comfortable working in hot and cold environments and with allergen-containing ingredients

· Forklift certification or ability to pass forktruck exam

Lifeway Foods, Inc is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with over 25 years of experience. We are an industry leader in the production of high-quality Kefir. We are an equal-opportunity employer and offer a competitive benefits package. Visit us at www.lifewaykefir.com.