Line Lead

Description

Step Up to the Plate as a Production Line Lead, Toppings!

Location: Woodridge, IL
Department: Production
Shift: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday, some mandatory Saturdays

Core hours: 4am-12:30pm, with overtime up to 2pm-3pm based on staffing needs
Pay: $24.00/hr
Reports To: Production Supervisor

At Home Run Inn, we believe pizza should do more than fill you up—it should lift you up.

For generations, we've been making authentic Chicago tavern-style pizza with pride, passion, and a commitment to quality. Behind every pizza is a team of people working hard to bring our favorite Chicago original to more families and communities across the country.

That's where you come in!

As a Production Line Lead, you'll help bring our production goals to life by coordinating daily activities, supporting your teammates, and keeping your assigned production line running safely, efficiently, and to the high-quality standards our customers know and love.

You'll be a go-to resource for Production Associates and Machine Operators, helping solve problems, communicate priorities, and keep everyone moving in the same direction.

If you're dependable, mechanically minded, a strong problem-solver, and enjoy helping a team succeed, we'd love to have you on our team!

What You'll Do

As a Production Line Lead, you'll coordinate and support daily production activities to ensure our products meet quality, safety, and efficiency standards.

You'll help set up equipment, monitor production performance, manage materials, communicate shift priorities, and coach team members to achieve daily goals.

You'll work closely with the Production Supervisor to address challenges, keep production on track, and identify opportunities to improve how we work.

You'll help lead the line, support the team, and make sure every pizza meets the Home Run Inn standard!

You'll Spend Your Time

Keeping Production Running

• Coordinate daily production activities across your assigned line to meet production goals and deadlines
• Set up and break down machinery and equipment at the beginning and end of production
• Learn and perform production tasks throughout your assigned area, including mixing, operating press machines, adjusting depositing machines, and operating packaging equipment
• Monitor equipment performance and respond quickly to breakdowns or production issues
• Assist with die changes, material changes, and equipment adjustments as needed
• Monitor ingredient levels, identify potential shortages, and communicate issues to the Production Supervisor
• Use hand jacks and other approved equipment to move pallets and materials
• Help minimize production downtime, rejected products, and waste

Making Quality a Priority

• Ensure finished products meet established quality, safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards
• Monitor production processes to ensure products are manufactured correctly and on time
• Verify product coding and establish appropriate expiration dates for finished products
• Monitor and document batch information, materials, and other required production records
• Identify and communicate quality concerns or inconsistencies to the Production Supervisor
• Help ensure our products consistently meet Home Run Inn's quality expectations

Keeping Safety First

• Promote a culture of safety by following all workplace health and safety requirements
• Reinforce safe behaviors and ensure team members follow company safety programs and GMP requirements
• Monitor your assigned area for safety hazards that could impact employees or products
• Immediately communicate and escalate safety concerns to the Production Supervisor
• Follow required safety procedures when operating, adjusting, and cleaning equipment
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including hearing protection when needed
• Help maintain a safe working environment for yourself and your teammates

Managing Materials and Production Records

• Generate inventory tickets throughout the day to track materials used and production levels
• Monitor ingredient and packaging material availability to support uninterrupted production
• Maintain accurate batch records, production paperwork, and other required documentation
• Use computers, printers, hand scanners, and other technology to support daily production activities
• Communicate material shortages, inventory concerns, and production updates to the appropriate team members
• Help ensure production records are complete, accurate, and up to date

Leading and Supporting the Team

• Coordinate Production Associates and Machine Operators across your assigned production area
• Communicate shift priorities through team huddles, startup meetings, and shutdown meetings
• Motivate, guide, and coach teammates to achieve daily production goals
• Help organize team assignments and adjust responsibilities when production needs change
• Work closely with the Production Supervisor to communicate challenges, share updates, and align on production priorities
• Respond with urgency when equipment breakdowns or other unexpected issues occur
• Encourage teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across the production line
• Stay flexible and assist with other production needs and duties as assigned

Keeping It Clean

• Keep your assigned work area clean, organized, and ready for production
• Ensure equipment, tools, and work surfaces are maintained according to established cleaning and sanitation procedures
• Support housekeeping and sanitation efforts throughout the shift
• Help maintain a clean environment that supports food safety and efficient operations
• Encourage teammates to take responsibility for maintaining an organized workspace

You're a Great Fit If You...

• Enjoy hands-on work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Like helping others succeed and keeping a team organized
• Can make quick decisions and solve problems when production challenges arise
• Communicate clearly and confidently with teammates and supervisors
• Take initiative and respond with urgency when something needs attention
• Pay attention to details and take pride in quality work
• Understand the importance of food safety, workplace safety, and following procedures
• Can adjust priorities and assignments as production needs change
• Hold yourself and others accountable in a supportive, respectful way
• Enjoy finding better ways to work and improve production results
• Bring a dependable, positive attitude and a strong sense of teamwork

What You'll Bring

• 1–2 years of experience in manufacturing or food production required
• Previous leadership experience preferred
• Ability to operate and work with production equipment, including industrial mixers, scales, hand jacks, utility knives, and large dough knives
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make timely decisions
• Ability to organize team members across different production positions and respond effectively to equipment breakdowns
• Basic computer skills and the ability to use printers, hand scanners, and other production technology
• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 pounds for extended periods
• Ability to speak, read, and understand English
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including off-shifts and weekends as needed

Why Home Run Inn?

We're more than a pizza company—we're a Chicago original.

Born from a small tavern on Chicago's South Side in 1947, Home Run Inn has grown into one of the city's most beloved pizza brands. 

We're still family-owned and operated, and we're proud of the people who help bring our pizza to families across the country.

When you join our team, you'll find:

• A family-owned company with nearly 100 years of Chicago history
• Leaders who genuinely care about your growth
• Opportunities to develop your leadership skills and make a real impact
• A culture built around connection, support, and continuous improvement
• Best & Brightest and Most Loved Workplace recognition
• Plenty of reasons to celebrate the little wins along the way
• Time to recharge with Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Personal Time, and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options, plus supplemental coverage
• Paid Parental Leave to support your growing family
• A 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching opportunities
• Free household access to 24/7 on-demand virtual healthcare
• Discounts on safety shoes, travel, entertainment, and more
• Access to all the pizza your heart desires! (Well, almost.)

Our Values

Family – We show up for one another, support our teammates, and succeed together.

Pride – We set high standards because our teammates and customers deserve our best.

Grit – We keep learning, improving, and finding better ways to do things.

Courage – We own our mistakes, speak honestly, and grow from every experience.

Our Purpose

To give people more Home Runs in their day.

Ready to Lead the Team?

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, help your teammates succeed, and keep our production lines running safely and efficiently, we'd love to have you on our team!

Step up to the plate and help us give people more Home Runs in their day—one team, one production line, and one pizza at a time!

Home Run Inn is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

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