ASSEMBLY LINE LEAD

Meals on Wheels People is an organization founded in and by the community! Over the past 50 years, our non-profit has helped thousands of older adults in the Portland Metro area keep their independence through weekly meal delivery and social connections. Our culture reflects our five values: integrity, commitment, respect, inclusion, creativity, and TEAMWORK. With over 20 meal delivery centers throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties, our staff and thousands of volunteers ensure that no adult over 60 goes hungry or experiences social isolation.

Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your well-being. Enjoy the benefits of a four-day workweek, ample quality time off, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, pet insurance, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, and an Employee Assistance Program through Magellan Healthcare.

We are seeking a dedicated Assembly Line Lead to join our team at the Central Kitchen in SW Portland, focusing on supporting and optimizing assembly operations. This role plays a vital part in ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of food preparation and distribution.

The Assembly Line Lead oversees the daily operation of a high-volume meal assembly line, ensuring adherence to production schedules, food safety protocols, quality standards, and productivity goals. This position provides hands-on leadership to assembly staff, promotes a culture of teamwork and accountability, and drives continuous improvement through training, coaching, and real-time problem-solving. Maintaining strict cleanliness and sanitation standards in full compliance with State and Federal regulations is essential to success in this role.

Ideal candidates will have:

• At least two years of experience in a food production or assembly line environment.
• A solid understanding of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Working as a member of the team, leads a team of assembly line workers, ensuring accuracy, portion control and proper packaging techniques according to production schedules.
• Monitor daily production line, identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and implement solutions to enhance productivity.
• Maintain high cleaning and sanitation standards in compliance with food safety standards and operating procedures.
• Monitor product quality and freshness, ensure proper storage and rotation, and address any concerns promptly to maintain high standards.
• Manage inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring sufficient quantities are on hand to meet the production schedule.
• Conduct inspections and audits to ensure adherence to quality standards and compliance with regulations. Monitor and report any quality issues or discrepancies to management.
• Maintain accurate records of production metrics, including output and quality control.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and reinforce safe work practices among team members.
• Train and onboard staff at various workstations, providing constructive feedback, skill development, and ongoing support.
• Act as a point of contact for resolving operational issues and communicating any delays or downtime that may impact the production schedule.
• Promote a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement
• Support broader kitchen operations by cross-training or assisting in other departments as needed.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with team members, staff, and volunteers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission and daily operations.

Meals on Wheels People is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are committed to welcoming and supporting individuals of all backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and those living with disabilities, in our team and programs.

• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to coach and support team members in a positive and constructive manner.
• Proficient in the safe and effective use of assembly line tools and equipment.
• Strong understanding of portion control and yield optimization to ensure cost efficiency and product consistency.
• Proficient with email, Microsoft Office and operations-related applications.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build rapport and foster collaboration across a diverse team.
• Reliable math and counting skills with strong attention to detail.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) required.

Any satisfactory combination of experience, training and/or education which ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above qualifications.