Packaging Lead

The Mark Anthony Group of Companies is one of North America’s most diversified and successful private beverage companies focused on the alcohol beverage sector. Founded in 1972, the Company grew organically from a one-man wine importing business to a producer and distributor of fine wine, premium spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages, including White Claw Hard Seltzer.

Role Purpose:

The Packaging Lead is responsible for monitoring the overall packaging process, ensuring that Safety and Quality are at the forefront of all activities, and be a valued resource for the Packaging Operators to assist troubleshooting in order to ensure unforeseen process events are being addressed with a sense of urgency. The Packaging Lead will be qualified to complete all tasks in all packaging machine centers, including sanitation and quality.  This role will work closely with the Packaging Supervisor and the Packaging Operators to ensure daily and weekly tasks are being completed on-time and according to standard operating procedures.

Accountabilities & Impact:

• Safety / Food Safety: Lead by example and drive all Plant and Safety policies and procedures within the Brewery, including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Ensure team members are accountable to same.
• Quality Control: Audit operator performance to ensure quality inspection of product are being completed per the SOP’s. Conduct quality checks and inspections to verify that products meet specifications. Inspect packaging materials, labels, and finished products to ensure they meet established specifications.
• Equipment Operation: Oversee the operation of packaging equipment and ensure that machinery is operated efficiently, troubleshoot minor issues, and report major malfunctions to maintenance personnel.
• Productivity and Efficiency: Monitor and optimize packaging line efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize downtime. Identify and suggest process improvements to meet production targets.
• Sanitation and Maintenance: Drive preventative and routine operator maintenance programs including Clean Inspect and Lubrication (CIL), centerlines, and defect identification.
• Documentation: Review and maintain production records, reports, and documentation related to packaging operations. Prepare and submit reports on packaging line efficiency, production output, and quality control.
• Inventory Management: Collaborate with Supply Chain team to ensure that an adequate supply of packaging materials is available.
• Team Collaboration: Maintain clear and open communication within the packaging team, providing guidance, instructions, and support to team members, as well as fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Escalation Procedures: Actively coach Packaging Operators and escalate concerns to maintenance and supervisor as it relates to safety, quality, performance goals, productivity, continuous improvement, and teamwork/harmony.
• Shift Coordination: Ensure shift changes by communicating important information to incoming shifts, including updates on work in progress, equipment conditions, and any outstanding issues or concerns. Assist in the staffing of operators on their shift.
• Training and Development: Train new packaging operators and provide ongoing training to existing team members. Ensure that all team members are familiar with proper packaging techniques and safety protocols.
• Communication: Collaborate with the Packaging Supervisor and other departments to ensure the smooth flow of operations. Communicate detailed and accurate shift performance through end of shift reports, shift handover meetings, daily production meetings, email, action logs, work orders, etc.
• Process Improvement: Encourage team members to provide suggestions for process improvements and efficiency enhancements. The Packaging Lead should be open to feedback and actively communicate improvement ideas to management.
• Perform other various job duties as required.

Skills & Experiences Needed:

• High School diploma or equivalent required, Associate’s degree and/or Trade Certification preferred.
• 2 years of experience in leadership roles in manufacturing.
• High-speed manufacturing/machine operation experience required.
• Proficient in the use of computer and software skills such as MS Office, Teams, and email.
• Forklift experience (certification not required) - preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead manufacturing teams effectively.
• Ability to manage well under pressure while staying true to the company values.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take on any task.
• Reliable and punctual - must adhere to attendance and absenteeism policy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize work while multitasking.
• Excellent communication skills both orally and written.
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain a “can-do” and positive attitude.
• Ability to provide and receive open and regular feedback and adjust accordingly.
• Works collaboratively within various teams. Ability to adjust communication/leadership style as needed and when appropriate.
• Fully accountable owner of self and team behaviors and results.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced and constantly changing work environment.
• Shift work including days, evenings, overnight shifts, and up to 12 hrs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand/move 8-12 hours per day.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs/ladders throughout shift.
• Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including (but not limited to) bump cap, safety steel toe shoes, safety glasses, dust masks or PAPRs.
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Scheduling requirements: Open and flexible to work 12hrs / 2-2-3, or 8hrs /morning, evening, and night shift.

What we value at Mark Anthony:

Sense of Urgency

• We value sense of urgency because we are a fast-paced company in a fast-paced industry
• You act as if there is no tomorrow and get it done today

Authenticity

• We value authenticity because we need to stay real
• You are authentic, diplomatic, respectful, thoughtful and you always have the best intentions

Simplicity

• We value simplicity; why use 50 words when you can use 5?
• You thrive in ambiguity, are comfortable with change and bring simplicity to complex situations or grey area

Humility

• We value humility; there is no room for egos here
• You’re not stubborn, you listen, take feedback/direction and respond quickly to changing direction. We are a team that supports each other

Trust

• We value trust because unless we are both trusted and trusting, we will not succeed as a team
• You put trust in others and do your best to never let anyone down

At Mark Anthony, we believe every team member shares the responsibility of understanding how each of our roles and actions impact Quality, Food Safety, Safety and Continuous Improvement. This collective mindset is the cornerstone of our success as a leader in the consumer beverage space and requires us to mutually build and improve robust processes that guarantee unmatched customer satisfaction and safety.