Production Assistant

Job Identification:

Position Summary:

The Production Assistant supports all aspects of the production process to ensure efficient, timely, and high-quality production. The person will assist with equipment maintenance, help with ensuring the production environment is kept clean and organized. Additionally, packaging, tracking production milestones, and attending events to promote the product. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with strong communication skills and the ability to multitask effectively.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with inventory levels of raw materials, packaging, and finished products.
• Ensure timely restocking of materials to avoid production disruptions.
• Organize and maintain a clean and organized production area.
• Assist with the packaging process, ensuring that products are properly packaged and labeled.
• Assist with the inspection and testing of products to ensure consistency and quality.
• Attend and assist in organizing company events, trade shows, and promotional activities.
• Ensure the cleanliness and safety of the production environment, adhering to safety standards and company policies.
• Assist in maintaining production equipment and report any maintenance needs to management.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels of cleaning and safety supplies.
• Provide support to the production team, helping with tasks as needed.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and deadlines are met.

Non-essential Job Functions:

• Help the marketing team with the creation of promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, and social media posts.
• Occasionally assist with photoshoots or content creation for product marketing.
• Assist with planning and coordinating internal team-building events or social gatherings for the production team. Assist in training new employees on safety protocols, equipment, and organizational procedures.
• Assist with filing or organizing production-related documents, such as production logs, inventory records, and quality control reports.
• Support the administrative team with maintaining records related to production projects.
• Assist with minor research projects related to production methods, materials, or industry trends.
• Gather information on new tools, equipment, or technologies that could enhance the production process.
• Occasionally assist the customer service team with product inquiries or basic troubleshooting.
• Help manage customer returns or complaints related to production issues, as directed.

Job Specifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of standard production processes, including scheduling, inventory management, and quality control. Understanding of the steps required to ensure efficient production flow and meet deadlines. Familiarity with inventory tracking systems and processes. Knowledge of supply chain logistics, including managing stock levels and ordering materials. Knowledge of workplace safety standards, particularly related to production environments and equipment operation. Familiarity with OSHA regulations or industry-specific safety protocols. Understanding of how to operate basic production equipment and tools. Knowledge of basic maintenance procedures for production equipment and machinery. Basic understanding of event planning and logistics, especially related to company functions or trade shows. Knowledge of quality control processes to ensure production output meets company standards.
• Skills: Organization and Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage production schedules, inventory, and multiple tasks efficiently. Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment. Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: Ability to identify problems in the production process and develop creative solutions to overcome them.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for resolving equipment issues or production delays. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams and provide clear instructions. Ability to effectively communicate with external partners, suppliers, and event attendees. Attention to Detail: High attention to detail to ensure product quality, accurate inventory tracking, and error-free documentation. Ability to spot discrepancies or inconsistencies in production and inventory. Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using production-related software, spreadsheets, and inventory management tools. Comfortable using basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite) for scheduling and reporting. Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks at once while maintaining focus on core priorities. Skilled at managing competing deadlines without sacrificing quality or efficiency. Abilities:
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changes in production schedules, product specifications, or organizational priorities. Flexible in adjusting tasks and strategies to meet evolving needs in a dynamic work environment Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with teams from different departments, including production, logistics, marketing, and management. Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships and foster teamwork. Physical Stamina and Dexterity: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift moderate weights (e.g., packaging materials or small equipment) Physical ability to manage production tasks that may involve handling equipment or inventory. Customer Focus: Ability to assist with customer needs related to product quality, orders, or production timelines. Understanding of how production decisions can impact customer satisfaction and business success. Event Support: Ability to provide event support, including setting up displays, managing logistics, and communicating with vendors or attendees. Comfort in attending events and representing the company in professional settings.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree or higher in a related field (e.g., Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Production/Operations Management) preferred.

• 1-3 years of experience in production, operations, or logistics, ideally within manufacturing, food production, or related industries. Proven ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments while managing multiple responsibilities effectively. Familiarity with quality control processes and ensuring product consistency is advantageous.

• Preferred Qualifications: Background in customer service or vendor relations, especially in coordinating external partnerships tied to production or event planning. Experience in equipment maintenance or facility management is also highly desirable.

Physical Abilities:

• Standing and Walking: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during production and event setup, as well as throughout the workday.
• Comfortable moving around production areas to monitor progress and ensure quality control. Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift, carry, and move moderate to heavy objects, such as boxes of materials, packaging, and equipment (up to 50 lbs.).
• Capability to assist with inventory storage and organization, including moving products or supplies. Manual Dexterity: Ability to use hands for repetitive tasks, such as packaging products, operating machinery, and organizing materials.
• Comfortable handling small tools, machinery, and production equipment with accuracy. Climbing and Bending: Ability to bend, squat, and kneel as needed to access or organize materials, stock shelves, or maintain production equipment.
• Capability to climb ladders or step stools to reach inventory or equipment stored at higher levels. Repetitive Motion: Comfortable performing repetitive tasks for extended periods, such as packing, labeling, or handling materials without significant fatigue.

• Ability to perform tasks like typing or using a computer for scheduling and inventory tracking. Visual and Auditory Acuity: Ability to visually inspect products for quality control, ensuring that they meet company standards. Strong auditory ability to listen for equipment sounds or operational signals and identify potential issues. Work in Varied Environments: Ability to work in different environments, such as production floors, warehouses, and event spaces, with varying temperature and noise levels.

• Comfort with exposure to common industry environments (e.g., coffee roasting areas or warehouses) that may have moderate levels of heat, humidity, or dust.

• Endurance: Ability to sustain physical activity for long shifts or during busy periods, especially in peak production times or during event setups.

• Capacity to manage multiple physical tasks, including lifting, organizing, and setting up for events or promotions.

• Working Conditions:
• Work Environment: Primarily based in a production facility, which may include exposure to equipment, tools, and machinery used in production processes. Work in warehouse settings, handling inventory or managing stock, with possible exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels depending on the nature of the products. Event spaces for promotional events or trade shows, which may require travel and long hours outside of the regular work environment. Physical Environment: Fast-paced work environment that may involve lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods. Potential exposure to moderate noise levels from machinery or production equipment. May involve working with food products, coffee roasting equipment, or chemicals, so proper safety measures must be followed (e.g., wearing protective gear when necessary).