Line Leader

This role leads and coordinates daily operations of assigned packaging lines and work centers within a manufacturing environment. The position focuses on ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production by overseeing equipment setup and changeovers, directing packaging personnel, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining compliance with safety and food quality standards. The Packaging Line Leader / West Room Foreperson serves as the primary leadership resource on the production floor, providing technical guidance, training, and support to operators while driving continuous improvement across packaging operations.

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day operations of assigned packaging lines and work centers to ensure safe and efficient production.
• Assign, direct, and monitor production personnel to meet safety, quality, and throughput goals.
• Oversee equipment setup, operation, adjustments, and changeovers to maximize production efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Perform and supervise machine setup, bottle size changes, line changeovers, startup activities, and line preparation before production runs.
• Troubleshoot production and equipment issues, investigate root causes of downtime, and implement corrective actions to maintain schedules.
• Monitor packaging line quality standards, product quality, waste levels, and production efficiency, and recommend process improvements to maximize throughput.
• Support and assist maintenance personnel during repairs, equipment adjustments, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Train, mentor, and develop line operators and packaging personnel on equipment operation, safety procedures, quality standards, and standard work center processes.
• Promote waste reduction, increased efficiency, and continuous improvement throughout packaging operations.
• Maintain clear communication between departments, shifts, supervisors, and operations personnel to ensure smooth workflow and coordination.
• Act as the primary point of contact for operators and serve as a leadership resource on the production floor.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, food safety standards, SQF requirements, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
• Complete and maintain accurate production documentation, operational checks, quality records, and performance reporting.
• Prioritize multiple tasks and effectively coordinate the work of others to meet production schedules and operational targets.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to qualify as a Room Foreperson within 90 days.
• Must meet required Work Keys testing standards.
• If not already qualified as a Line Operator, must pass the company Line Operator written exam within 30 days.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, coach, and develop employees.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and understanding of production equipment systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills for resolving equipment and production issues.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and coordinate the work of others in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams and documenting production activities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations relevant to production and quality checks.
• Understanding of machine setup, machine adjustment, and operational controls.
• Ability to train others on equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Commitment to maintaining safety, food quality, and regulatory compliance, including OSHA, lockout/tagout, SQF, GMP, and cGMP.

• Supervisory experience in a manufacturing or packaging environment is highly beneficial.
• Experience coordinating packaging line changeovers and startup activities.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting packaging machinery and supporting preventative maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement practices focused on waste reduction and efficiency gains.
• Experience working with food manufacturing standards, including SQF and GMP, is an advantage.
• Strong coaching and mentoring mindset to support employee growth and development.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to assist mechanics during equipment repairs and adjustments.

This is a direct placement opportunity with strong long-term stability and growth potential. Employees receive on-site, role-specific training, including how to use tooling and operate, set up, and adjust equipment and machinery, supporting both skill development and career progression. The workplace offers union representation and benefits, providing structured support and protections. Team members enjoy unique perks such as access to a dedicated spice room where, once a month, they can fill a grocery bag with spices for a low, fixed cost. After one year of service, employees automatically receive a pay increase, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to rewarding tenure and performance.

The role is based in a manufacturing plant environment that operates Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The work involves being around moving mechanical parts, motorized vehicles, and airborne particles from spices. There is a strong spice aroma throughout and around the facility, which employees typically stop noticing after about a week of working on site. The position requires regular presence on the production floor near packaging lines and equipment, with close interaction with operators, mechanics, and other operations personnel. Appropriate attire and personal protective equipment are expected to ensure safety while working around machinery and in areas with food-grade materials.

This is a Permanent position based out of Ankeny, IA.

The pay range for this position is $62608.00 - $62608.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

please see Trevor Johnson for a full list of benefits

This is a fully onsite position in Ankeny,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.