Summary

NutriAg by HGS is a fast-growing crop technology company based in Toronto, Canada. We are dedicated to delivering innovative, plant-specific nutrient solutions that improve crop performance while supporting environmental sustainability. Our people are at the center of our success, and we are committed to fostering a safe, collaborative, and growth-oriented workplace.

The Production Lead (Lead Hand) is responsible for leading the daily operations of the liquid and powder production plants while actively participating in production activities. This role ensures production schedules are met safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company quality standards. The Production Lead provides day-to-day direction to plant employees, supports training and development, maintains production records, and promotes a culture of safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Roles & Responsibilities

Leadership

Lead and support the daily operations of the liquid and powder production plants.

Coordinate daily production activities to meet customer orders, production schedules, and business priorities.

Organize staff, equipment, and materials to maximize safety, efficiency, quality, and productivity.

Assign work, monitor employee performance, and provide day-to-day coaching and support.

Train, orient, and mentor new employees on company procedures, safety requirements, quality standards, and equipment operation.

Ensure all production activities comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Methods of Manufacturing (MoMs), Production Work Instructions (PWIs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and company policies.

Maintain effective communication with the Plant Manager regarding production status, equipment issues, staffing, and operational concerns.

Production Operations

Actively participate in manufacturing liquid fertilizer products by following approved production procedures.

Accurately add powder and liquid raw materials to production batches according to formulations and work instructions.

Transfer slurries and liquid raw materials between mixing tanks and from totes to production vessels.

Assemble and stage raw materials required for production.

Participate in batch creation to ensure production deadlines are achieved.

Monitor production processes to ensure product quality, consistency, and compliance with specifications.

Verify batch weights, bag counts, fill quantities, labels, pallet configuration, and finished product appearance before release.

Work closely with Quality Control to investigate and rework non-conforming materials when required.

Maintain quality control sampling records and complete all production documentation accurately.

Equipment & Maintenance

Perform daily equipment inspections and ensure pre-shift inspections are completed.

Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.

Complete routine maintenance and equipment cleaning as assigned.

Coordinate maintenance requirements and report equipment breakdowns promptly to the Plant Manager.

Assist with equipment repairs, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety & Housekeeping

Enforce all NutriAg by HGS health, safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.

Promote safe work practices and ensure employees wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Maintain excellent housekeeping standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) throughout the production facility.

Ensure production areas remain clean, organized, and free of hazards.

Administration

Complete production reports, batch records, scrubber logs, quality documentation, and equipment records accurately.

Issue and create production orders and product labels.

Assist with inventory movement, material handling, and warehouse organization.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, chemical, or production environment.

Previous experience as a Lead Hand, Production Lead, or Supervisor is preferred.

Forklift certification or the ability to obtain certification.

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, GMP, quality systems, and workplace safety.

Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and troubleshoot equipment issues.

Ability to work independently and lead a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Proficient with basic computer systems and production reporting.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.

Ability to frequently lift and move materials weighing up to 25 kg (55 lbs).

Ability to bend, reach, climb, push, pull, and perform repetitive physical tasks.

Ability to safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other production equipment.

Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and manufacturing conditions.

Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safely work around chemicals, industrial equipment, and moving machinery.

What We Offer

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Employer-matched retirement savings program.

Paid vacation starting at three (3) weeks per year.

Career development and advancement opportunities.

Ongoing training and leadership development.

Collaborative, safety-focused, and people-first work environment