Material Handler Team Leader

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Job Description

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

This position is responsible for providing field support all aspects of rail, seed receiving process from inbound grading to binning, meal load out, oil load out, meal storage and oil storage as well as seed conservation. Reporting to the Material Handling Manager and Material Handling Supervisor, this position is responsible for coordinating and supporting all unionized Material Handler I and IIs to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Coordinates rail and truck unloading operations and personnel during seed receiving and product load out operations.
• Provides an injury-free work environment for employees, contractors, visitors through engagement, JHSs, training programs, good manufacturing practices, LDC standards and proactive elimination of exposures. Continually improve safety record by addressing both physical safety issues and employee safety attitudes.
• Ensures compliance with company safety and food safety rules by self and others.
• Wears Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required in fulfillment of assigned responsibilities.
• Assists with planning the daily activities of production staff, issues work assignments accordingly and serves as the liaison between plant management and Material Handlers.
• Supports with personnel training, disciplinary action, scheduling, coaching, etc.
• Ensures proper coverage by managing schedules and calling in help as needed.
• Completes regular checks of staff and equipment throughout their shift to ensure that standard operating procedures are followed and Company quality standards are met. Reports deviations to the department supervisor or manager.
• Assures that established environmental procedures are followed and recordkeeping requirements are met.
• Assists with the routine maintenance of all assigned equipment.
• Respond to equipment issues and process alarms. Investigates and resolves problems. Conducts regular and frequent “walkthrough” of assigned processes in search of potential issues. Trains Material Handlers in proper techniques.
• Work in an organized, safe and clean manner, ensures work areas are kept clean and free from all safety hazards.
• Conducts quality control tests, enters data, and operates the HMI in the plant as needed to support the process operators.
• Support with plans and processes which minimize seed receiving, meal and oil load out costs through effective utilization of manpower, equipment facilities, materials, and capital. Assure attainment of business objectives and production schedules while ensuring product standards that will exceed our customers’ expectations.
• Ensure that the product being shipped meets our customers’ standard, policies and practices through the proper implementation of maintenance of all aspects of quality systems such as DNA, HACCP, GMP, AIB and Food Safety in general.
• Properly utilize resources. Foster a well-trained and motivated staff. Responsible for establishing all shift production schedules. Train new Material Handling employees.
• It is expected that the person in this position will spend up to 70% of their time in the work areas engaging employees, overseeing seed receiving and load out areas and troubleshooting. The remainder of their time is spent in an office performing administrative and planning functions.
• Coordinates and leads production startups, shutdowns, troubleshooting, and changeovers.
• Assures that established environmental procedures are followed and recordkeeping requirements and meet other duties as assigned by the Material Handling Manager.
• Coordinates railcar movement in and out of railcars with railroad CN & CP personnel.
• Continually researches and refines unloading and loading operations to ensure the best possible usage of assets; maintains a good line of communication with Team Leaders, Material Handlers and all areas of the plant.
• Be an active member of the facility's Quality & Food Safety Program. Maintains good working knowledge of the Food Safety Program policies and procedures.
• An active member of the facility SHE Program.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the food manufacturing industry.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

• Basic understanding of rail and logistical systems.
• Fundamental knowledge of the shipping and/or bulk handling industry.
• Knowledge of grain quality controls and standards preferred.
• General knowledge of grain commodities and grades preferred.
• Proficiency with computers; Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel).
• Ability to climb stairs/ladders/catwalks and work at heights sometimes up to 150ft.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.

Additional Information

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including extended health care and dental coverage, employee and family assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage

- Retirement Savings Plan with Employer contributions and matching

- Paid vacation, paid sick time and paid statutory holidays

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us