When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.

The incumbent provides support in the production environment by providing leadership/direction to employees to ensure all products meet production demands and appropriate specifications.  Completes documentation and carries out responsibilities in accordance with company policies and procedures.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

Safety & FSQ:

• Participate and accurately complete all necessary monthly and yearly trainings for safety and SFQ compliance.
• Perform all duties within OSHA and company safety standards; LOTO, wear PPE and maintain safety equipment.
• Maintain a safe, clean and organized work area.
• Immediately report all accidents and deficiencies to the supervisor.
• Ensure safety devices are installed and working properly.
• Monitor work environment for general food safety hazards such as condensation monitoring, etc.
• Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company SOP’s, and SSOP’s.  Observe team members to ensure compliance and coach as necessary.

Leadership

• Support a culture at the plant which values Personnel Safety and Food Safety.
• Must demonstrate the Jack Link’s Values: Be Real - Relationship Driven – Stewardship - Speed Matters - Self Discipline - Show Awesome Character.
• Support a culture of openness and accountability within (and outside) the assigned department.
• Set an example by demonstrating professionalism; encourage and insist on positive attitudes and behaviors from team members.
• Encourage employee initiative and innovation, and show recognition for effort & achievement.
• Create and cultivate positive work relationships at all levels of the plant/organization.
• Adhere to all company personnel policies.

 Communication

• Communicate with peers, subordinates, and leaders in an effective, timely manner.
• Keep foreman/supervisor informed daily of problems incurred during the shift.
• Communication to and for the team. 
• Confer with appropriate personnel to coordinate activities between departments.
• Meet with supervisor to ensure smooth shift change.
• Work with QA personnel to ensure all standards are met.
• Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities.

Personnel

• Enforce all safety rules and company policies.
• Coordinate team member training and morale building with the supervisor.  Training includes proper machine training and documentation.
• Continuously provide cross training and skill development to staff in order to build bench strength.
• Address employee concerns and coach employees on proper behaviors and performance.
• Contribute to the employee performance appraisal process by providing behavior and performance feedback to the foreman/supervisor. 
• Ensure team members are properly attired and ready to start production promptly at start time, and after authorized breaks.

Processing

• Manage start-up to make sure equipment is in proper operation condition, including proper safety equipment.  This includes Pre-Op inspection.
• Coordinate with the supervisor as to the supplies and products needed to keep department performance at maximum specified output.
• Monitor workflow and adjust personnel and resources to maximize production efficiencies.
• Meet with the foreman/supervisor on a regular basis for the purpose of updating progress on the daily production schedule.  Complete all paperwork at end of shift or production run.
• Ensure products are correctly labeled and identified for proper disposition, and FIFO rotation.
• Prevent and minimize rework and inedible where applicable.
• Ensure work and storage areas are maintained safe, clean and organized.
• Carry out daily operational sanitation report duties in a timely manner.  Properly document sanitation related issues.
• Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company SOP’s, and SSOP’s.
• Set oven controllers to correct program indicated in product specifications.
• Load auxiliary equipment with material and ingredients.
• Load carts of raw product into the smokehouses.
• Monitor oven cycles and product through testing samples.
• Perform various tests at required intervals such as PH tests on in-process and finished product, fat and moisture levels, etc.
• Complete documentation at required intervals according to company practice.
• Spray applications to product per specifications.
• Report detected inconsistencies to supervisors, quality assurance personnel, or managers.
• Empty carts of cooked product into chill cooler.
• Empty cinder and ash from smoke generators as needed.
• Sanitize designated drains, floors, and equipment at required intervals.
• Complete documentation as required throughout the process after cleaning.
• Assist with production as required.

General

• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Superior accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems
• Must be able to pass a drug screen.
• Regular attendance is essential.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience 

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills/ Mathematical Skills/ Reasoning Ability 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and/or maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Basic verbal and written communication skills in English. (Depending on location, the ability to speak fluent Spanish may be required.) Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. 

Computer Skills 

Knowledge of SAP preferred. Working knowledge of computers and basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite helpful.

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees