Benefits:
Company parties
Competitive salary
Employee discounts
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Traverse City Whiskey Co. is seeking a dependable and proactive Production Lead to support daily operations across our manufacturing floor. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for coordinating production activities, ensuring product quality, maintaining safety and sanitation standards, and fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
The Production Lead plays a key role in meeting production schedules, supporting efficient workflows, training team members, and communicating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and positive attitude are essential. We are interested in hiring individuals that will represent our company in a professional manner, have the ability to plan ahead, and maintain regular communication with Managers and team members.
Responsibilities
Oversee day-to-day production activities, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and efficiency goals.
Assign work tasks and support the team to complete daily production plans.
Lead by example, participating in production tasks as needed.
Assist in developing and communicating weekly labor and production schedules.
Conduct in-process quality checks and correct deviations in real time.
Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP protocols, and TCWC quality standards.
Maintain production logs, sanitation records, and quality documentation.
Train, coach, and support team members in safe and efficient work practices.
Foster a respectful, inclusive, and engaging work environment.
Provide feedback and support employee performance expectations.
Monitor and maintain adequate inventory levels of materials, tools, and supplies.
Assist with equipment setup, shutdown, changeovers, and basic troubleshooting.
Report maintenance needs to the Facilities/Maintenance technician.
Communicate daily production output, and any production issues to the Operations Manager.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain consistent product quality.
Uphold company values and policies; maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Perform other duties as assigned based on production needs and seasonality.
Supports and positively contributes to workplace culture.
Qualifications
2+ years of experience in manufacturing, beverage/food production, or similar environment
Previous experience leading or coordinating a team
Knowledge of production safety and quality standards
Basic computer and recordkeeping proficiency
Ability to stand for prolonged periods (up to 9 hours)
Reliable attendance and punctuality
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Physical Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
4 × 10-hour shifts (Monday–Thursday)
Work performed in a production environment; standing most of the day
Ability to lift 50 lbs. as needed
Work may occur in warm/cold environments, around moving machinery, and with noise exposure
Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals