Production Team Lead – Ice Cream Manufacturing
Full-Time | Hourly (Non-Exempt) $21.76 - $23.22
Salt & Straw is looking for Production Associates to support our Central Kitchen of Oregon (CKOR) production facility located in Portland’s Central Eastside.
The Production Associate III is a lead-level position on the Spin team with expanded experience, skills, and responsibilities beyond those of Production Associate I and II team members. This role plays a key part in supporting production planning, maintaining product quality, leading team members on the floor, and ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate execution of daily production goals. Production Associate III team members also serve as a backup to the Supervisor and help coach, guide, and support team members throughout the production process.
What Salt & Straw Production Associates Do
Lead, communicate, and support the Spin Team to meet daily production goals safely, cleanly, and efficiently
Provide hands-on guidance to team members while modeling best practices for equipment operation, recipe execution, and work order accuracy
Review daily production schedules and work orders to support production planning, prioritization, and labor delegation
Monitor product quality from raw ingredients through finished goods and address issues promptly
Ensure compliance with GMPs, sanitation standards, and food safety practices across the Spin Team
Prepare production areas by confirming ingredients, equipment, and materials are clean, organized, and production-ready
Review pull logs and verify accuracy before production begins
Communicate with team members regarding lot codes, FIFO organization, expiration dates, and product labeling accuracy
Train and retrain team members on equipment operation, production methods, organization, and safety practices
Reinforce and communicate updated policies and procedures to ensure operational consistency
Promptly communicate personnel or production concerns to the Spin Supervisor
Support break and meal period compliance while serving as backup to the Supervisor as needed
This Role Might Be Right If You:
Have at least 1 year of experience working in commercial food preparation, manufacturing, production, or warehouse environments; 2 years preferred
Have a minimum of 6 months machine operating experience; 1 year preferred
Have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Have strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality standards
Are comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Have excellent communication skills and ability to bring hospitality into daily interactions
Enjoy coaching, leading, and motivating team members
Are comfortable working with people of all backgrounds and identities
Can uphold high standards of safety, sanitation, efficiency, and service quality
Are proficient operating a wide range of commercial kitchen and production equipment
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
What You’ll Get
Everyday Pay: Optional access to earned wages before payday for added financial flexibility.
401(k) with Company Match: Eligible after 3 months of service, with automatic enrollment and a 50% company match on deferrals, up to 1% of pay.
Paid Time Off: Accrues starting at approximately 2 weeks per year, increasing with tenure.
Sick Leave: Forty hours provided after 30 days of employment plus ongoing accrual based on hours worked.
Paid Holidays: Twelve paid holidays annually.
Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage: Available beginning the first of the month following your start date.
Career Development & Tuition Assistance: Career growth opportunities and up to $1,800/year in education reimbursement for eligible programs.
Team Member Discount: Enjoy a 30% discount on our handmade ice cream and merchandise.
Additional Voluntary Benefits: Including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, commuter benefits, and pet insurance.
Wage Transparency
The anticipated hiring range for this position is $21.76 - $23.22. The broader compensation range of $21.76 - $26.59 reflects future earning growth within the role over time.
Important Notes
Food Allergy Warning: This role involves working in an environment where common food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, seafood) are present.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Salt & Straw is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and provides equal opportunity to all applicants, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or background.
E-Verify Participation: We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization.
Our Values
Create the Unbelievable
Show Up Generously
Act with Thoughtful Curiosity
Share Human Kindness
Make It Count
These values guide everything we do — from the way we scoop, to how we show up for our guests, teammates, and communities.
