Entry Level Production Lead Jobs
New grad production lead jobs open the door for recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or hands-on shop floor time can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, and News & Publishing, with employers like Perdue, Shutterfly, and Avient hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Entry Level Production Lead jobs
Job Summary:
The Production Lead is responsible for overseeing the timely and efficient flow of raw materials into high-quality finished products; this may also include ensuring that equipment is maintained and in good repair.
Work Schedule: Night Shift; 11:00pm - 7:30am.
Duties/Responsibilities include:
- Maintain efficient and timely flow of all raw materials received and finished products shipped.
- Oversee the equipment used to process raw & finished materials is kept in good working order.
- Effectively manage all instances of breakdowns and coordinate with Maintenance to ensure needed repairs are made in timely manner.
- Lead continuous improvement efforts in all areas of responsibility.
- Responsible for achieving individual and department targets, goals and objectives.
- Responsible for observing all Company safety rules and regulations, recognize safety as a top Company priority, and conducting/participating in regularly scheduled safety meetings with plant staff.
- Assist in investigating accidents that occur within the jurisdiction and make recommendations to the Plant Safety Committee.
- All other duties as assigned by management.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Require 1-2 years of prior experience in a supervisory/management capacity.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of prior work experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical school certificate or Associates Degree preferred.
- Labor relations background and experience with leadership & training.
- Good understanding of production maintenance and repair protocols.
Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local law.
Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster
Job Summary:
The Production Lead is responsible for overseeing the timely and efficient flow of raw materials into high-quality finished products; this may also include ensuring that equipment is maintained and in good repair.
Work Schedule: Night Shift; 11:00pm - 7:30am.
Duties/Responsibilities include:
- Maintain efficient and timely flow of all raw materials received and finished products shipped.
- Oversee the equipment used to process raw & finished materials is kept in good working order.
- Effectively manage all instances of breakdowns and coordinate with Maintenance to ensure needed repairs are made in timely manner.
- Lead continuous improvement efforts in all areas of responsibility.
- Responsible for achieving individual and department targets, goals and objectives.
- Responsible for observing all Company safety rules and regulations, recognize safety as a top Company priority, and conducting/participating in regularly scheduled safety meetings with plant staff.
- Assist in investigating accidents that occur within the jurisdiction and make recommendations to the Plant Safety Committee.
- All other duties as assigned by management.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Require 1-2 years of prior experience in a supervisory/management capacity.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of prior work experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical school certificate or Associates Degree preferred.
- Labor relations background and experience with leadership & training.
- Good understanding of production maintenance and repair protocols.
Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local law.
Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster
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Find JobsEntry Level Production Lead Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage10
- Manufacturing3
- News & Publishing3
- Chemicals & Materials2
- Retail1
Entry Level Production Lead Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level production lead job?
Focus on any hands-on manufacturing, warehouse, or production experience you have, even from internships, coursework, or part-time work. Employers at this level look for candidates who understand production workflows, can communicate clearly with team members, and show basic familiarity with quality or safety standards. Highlighting a willingness to learn lean manufacturing principles or shift scheduling gives you a concrete edge over other new applicants.
Which companies hire entry level production leads?
Companies hiring entry level production leads right now include Perdue, Shutterfly, and Avient, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from mid-size manufacturers, consumer goods companies, and food and beverage producers that regularly bring in junior candidates to grow into the role.
Are there remote entry level production lead jobs?
Yes, though most production lead roles are on-site by nature. About 13% of entry level production lead openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, typically covering coordination, scheduling, or quality reporting duties that can be done off the floor. On-site roles still dominate because the work involves direct oversight of physical production lines and team members.
Are these new grad production lead jobs?
Yes, many of these openings are new grad friendly and include junior and recent graduate roles. A posting is typically new grad accessible when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship or co-op work in place of full-time history, or explicitly invites candidates with a production-related degree or technical certification. Look for language like 'will train' or 'entry level welcome' as a reliable signal.
Which industries hire the most entry level production leads?
Entry Level production lead roles concentrate in Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, and News & Publishing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they run high-volume production lines that need junior supervisors to manage shift output, coordinate workers, and maintain quality standards on a daily basis.